Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
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Vítor Pereira makes his highly anticipated home debut at the City Ground on Sunday as Nottingham Forest look to complete a historic league double over reigning champions Liverpool.
The Tricky Trees kicked off the Pereira era in spectacular fashion midweek, securing a commanding 3–0 victory away at Fenerbahçe in the Europa League. Now, focus returns to the Premier League, where Forest sit 17th, just three points above the relegation zone. Having already stunned the Reds with a 3–0 win at Anfield in November, the hosts are aiming to replicate that clinical counter-attacking display to secure vital survival points.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive in the East Midlands in solid overall form, losing just twice in their last 19 matches across all competitions. Arne Slot’s side currently sit sixth in the table, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by three points. While their title defense has stuttered on the road, a hard-fought 1–0 win over Sunderland in their last away outing has provided a platform to build on as they chase Champions League qualification.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Paul Tierney
- Last Meeting: Liverpool 0–3 Nottingham Forest (22 Nov 2025), Premier League
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Vítor Pereira manages a squad dealing with several defensive absences. Notably, Willy Boly, Nicolò Savona, and John Victor are all sidelined with knee injuries. Top scorer Chris Wood also remains out, while goalkeeper Matz Sels is struggling with a groin issue, meaning Stefan Ortega will continue between the posts. However, the squad emerged from the midweek win in Turkey unscathed.
Liverpool
Arne Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong will miss the trip to Nottingham as he continues his recovery from a muscle issue. Wataru Endo is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off against Sunderland, joining long-term absentees Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, and Giovanni Leoni. In better news, Joe Gomez is fit to start if required following recent substitute appearances.
Form
Nottingham Forest
Despite winless, Forest have been difficult to beat, losing only one of their last six Premier League games. Most recently, they recorded an impressive 3–0 win over Fenerbahçe, following a period where they drew three consecutive home league matches. Notably, Forest have struggled to find the net at times this season, failing to score in 12 league games—only bottom-side Wolves have a worse record. However, they remain unbeaten in their last three meetings with Liverpool.
Liverpool
The Reds have shown significant improvement, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions, including a dominant 3–0 FA Cup win over Brighton. While their league form has been inconsistent, they secured a vital 1–0 victory at Sunderland in their last away game, ending the Black Cats’ unbeaten home run. Notably, Liverpool have historically struggled at the City Ground, winning just one of their last 15 away league visits to the venue.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI: Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 13:00 GMT on Sunday.
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