Match Preview: Can Liverpool Continue Their Premier League Revival Against Nottingham Forest?
A win would put the Reds level on points with Chelsea and Man United...
Liverpool’s quest for a top five finish in the Premier League was wrote off by many not long ago, yet here we are with their Champions League hopes alive, cup runs progressing and a realistic path back into that crucial European qualifying spot. After a difficult patch where results dropped off massively, recent slips by rivals have reopened the door for Liverpool’s revival. Today’s clash with Nottingham Forest offers a chance to really build some momentum, but that chance comes with a stern warning as this Forest side continue to battle for survival and can be dangerous.
Liverpool’s Change in Fortunes
At one point this season, Liverpool’s top five hopes looked improbable. Inconsistency in the league had the champions languishing outside of the upper reaches of the table and struggling to string together meaningful victories. A difficult run in the Premier League saw the Reds lose key matches, even against teams they would usually dominate, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the squad’s resolve. Premier League results, like the heavy defeat to Forest at Anfield, indicated a campaign that was spiralling out of control.
Despite those setbacks, a shift has taken place. Crucially, rivals Aston Villa and Chelsea have dropped unexpected points against newly-promoted sides Burnley and Leeds United, giving Liverpool a lifeline and breathing room in a congested battle for the European places. A win against Nottingham Forest would see the Reds level on points with both Chelsea and Manchester United and just six points behind Villa, with eleven Premier League games still to play.
It’s starting to feel like the tide is turning. The performances in the Champions League and the FA Cup have added confidence, but the Premier League remains the priority. Missing out on the top five would be an absolute disaster for Liverpool, just 12 months on from lifting the title.
Forest’s Fight for Survival
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are embroiled in their own battle at the opposite end of the Premier League table. The threat of relegation has hung over Forest for much of the campaign, but recent developments suggest their resolve should not be underestimated. After parting company with Sean Dyche following a goalless draw with Wolves, Forest appointed Vitor Pereira as the new manager. Early signs under Pereira have been promising, including an eye-catching away win against Fenerbahce, which has injected confidence into the squad.
Forest’s fighting spirit cannot be taken lightly. In their meetings with Liverpool last season and earlier this term, they have shown they can compete physically and tactically.
This is a team fighting for its life, and when clubs are in that position, they can raise their level beyond expectations and Forest are keenly aware that points against a title contender like Liverpool could be the difference between staying up and slipping into the Championship.
Latest Team News
Arne Slot has confirmed that Joe Gomez is fit to start following his return from the bench in the recent victory over Sunderland, which is a huge boost at right-back.
However, Jeremie Frimpong will still miss this one, but is expected to return for the clash with West Ham United next weekend. Long-term absentees such as Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak also remain sidelined.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Forest, on the other hand, are likely to set up with defensive organisation and physicality at the core of their approach. Pereira usually prioritises structure, hard work and counterattacking opportunities, which Liverpool have often struggled against this season.
Final Thoughts and Score Prediction
You can see this one being an incredibly tight contest, separated by right margins. Nottingham Forest will not lie down, they will contest every ball and look to frustrate Liverpool until the final whistle. But the quality and depth of the Liverpool squad, combined with the momentum they have slowly built, should be enough to see them through.
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Liverpool.