Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Anfield Demands a Response as Reds Chase First Win
Liverpool return to Anfield today with one clear objective: win.
After beginning their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United, the Reds welcome Nottingham Forest in what should be one of Saturday’s most intriguing matches.
On paper, Liverpool are the favourites. They have home advantage, a frightening collection of attacking talent and an Anfield crowd expecting three points.
But Nottingham Forest have already shown in recent seasons that they are not afraid of this stadium.
That makes this far more interesting than a routine home banker.
Liverpool Have Something to Prove
A point at Newcastle was not a disaster, but Liverpool will know that performances must improve if they are going to challenge at the top of the Premier League.
This is also Andoni Iraola’s first competitive match at Anfield as Liverpool head coach, adding another layer of expectation to the occasion. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the need for the team to become more consistent, while Iraola has stressed energy, pressing and giving supporters a performance they can connect with.
And Liverpool have certainly selected a team capable of attacking.
Confirmed Liverpool Starting XI
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Victor Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Victor Munoz makes his full Liverpool debut, while Alexis Mac Allister returns to the starting XI. Ryan Gravenberch and Rio Ngumoha drop out of the side that started against Newcastle.
It is an attacking-looking Liverpool team.
The name most eyes will naturally follow is Alexander Isak.
Is This Alexander Isak’s Moment?
Liverpool need Isak to become the devastating centre-forward everyone knows he can be.
His combination with Florian Wirtz remains a work in progress, and both players came under criticism following the opening draw against Newcastle. There is enormous talent there, but Liverpool now need that talent converted into goals and victories.
Against a Forest side likely to defend in numbers, Isak’s movement could be crucial.
He will need to make runs behind the defence, attack crosses and create space for Wirtz, Gakpo and the impressive attacking players around him.
If Liverpool score early, this could become a very difficult afternoon for Forest.
If Forest survive the opening pressure, however, the atmosphere could become increasingly tense.
Nottingham Forest Should Not Be Underestimated
This is where the match becomes dangerous for anyone simply looking at Liverpool’s name and automatically backing the home side.
Forest know how to frustrate Liverpool.
They won at Anfield last season, and their defensive approach has previously caused serious problems for the Reds. The Premier League’s own tactical preview highlighted Liverpool’s challenge of breaking down Forest’s low defensive block.
Forest are unlikely to arrive wanting an open, end-to-end contest.
Expect them to stay compact, protect central areas and look for opportunities to counterattack whenever Liverpool commit players forward.
Morgan Gibbs-White could be especially important when those moments arrive.
Forest have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign, but one counterattack or one set piece can completely change the complexion of a match like this.
Liverpool therefore need patience as much as aggression.
The Key Battle: Liverpool Attack vs Forest’s Low Block
This could decide the game.
Liverpool may dominate possession.
Forest may happily allow them to have it.
The question is what Liverpool do once they reach the final third.
Wirtz operating between midfield and attack could become vital. If he receives the ball in dangerous central positions rather than drifting too far away from Isak, Liverpool should create chances.
Frimpong and Kerkez can provide width, while Szoboszlai offers shooting ability from deeper positions.
Forest, meanwhile, will try to force Liverpool sideways rather than allowing them to play through the middle.
It could become a game of patience.
One clever pass, one defensive mistake or one moment of individual brilliance may eventually unlock it.
Players to Watch
Alexander Isak — Liverpool
This feels like an opportunity.
Playing at Anfield with Wirtz, Gakpo and Szoboszlai around him, Isak should receive chances.
Xscore prediction: Isak has a good chance of scoring.
Florian Wirtz — Liverpool
Liverpool need more influence from their creative star.
Against a deep defence, Wirtz’s ability to find small pockets of space could be one of Liverpool’s biggest weapons.
Morgan Gibbs-White — Nottingham Forest
If Forest hurt Liverpool on the counterattack, don’t be surprised if Gibbs-White is involved.
His ability to carry the ball forward quickly makes him dangerous when Liverpool leave space behind their midfield.
Xscore Match Predictions
This is not quite as straightforward as the badge on the Liverpool shirt might suggest.
Forest’s recent record at Anfield deserves respect.
However, Liverpool have too much attacking quality to ignore, and after dropping points on the opening weekend there should be real urgency from the home side.
Best Pick: Liverpool to Win
Liverpool should control most of the game and create the better chances.
Prediction: Liverpool Win
Goals Prediction: Over 1.5 Goals
Even if Forest make life difficult, two goals in the match looks achievable.
Prediction: Over 1.5 Total Goals
Liverpool Team Goals
If Liverpool break through early, Forest may eventually have to abandon their defensive shape.
Prediction: Liverpool Over 1.5 Goals
Goalscorer to Watch
Alexander Isak anytime scorer
Not guaranteed — nothing in football is — but this is exactly the type of home match where Liverpool need their main striker to make the difference.
Correct Score Prediction
Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest
A 2-1 Liverpool victory would be the alternative if Forest manage to punish Liverpool on the counterattack.
Xscore Verdict
Liverpool cannot afford to treat Nottingham Forest casually.
Forest have hurt them at Anfield before and will probably arrive with a game plan designed to frustrate, defend and counterattack.
But Liverpool’s starting XI contains too much attacking quality for us to look away from the home win.
Isak has a chance to make a statement. Wirtz has an opportunity to silence some early criticism. And Iraola will want his first Premier League afternoon in front of the Anfield crowd to end with three points.
Xscore Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Best Bet: Liverpool to Win
Safer Pick: Liverpool or Draw + Over 1.5 Goals
Goalscorer Pick: Alexander Isak
The stage is set at Anfield.
Now Liverpool have to deliver.
