Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on August 29, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 local time. Both clubs are searching for their first Premier League victory of the season. Liverpool opened with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, while Forest began their league campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Leeds United before losing 2-0 to the same opponents in the Carabao Cup. The hosts enter this fixture 11th in the Premier League, with Forest currently 15th. Early-season positions offer limited evidence, but the opening results and recent trends provide several useful angles for this Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest preview.

Liverpool Recent Form and Key Statistics

Liverpool had to respond twice during their opening Premier League match against Newcastle United on August 23. After falling behind on two occasions, they eventually secured a 2-2 draw through a penalty in the 99th minute. Their season record in the competition therefore stands at no wins, one draw and no defeats, with averages of 2.0 goals scored and 2.0 conceded.

The broader form is less convincing, as Liverpool have recorded one victory, two draws and two defeats across their last five matches. During that sequence they averaged 1.6 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game. However, their longer Premier League scoring run is much stronger: Liverpool have found the net at least once in each of their last 18 league matches.

Anfield represents an important part of the match context. Liverpool won ten of their 19 home league fixtures last season, drawing six and losing three. They also ended that campaign unbeaten in their final six Premier League home games after their previous home defeat against Manchester City. Their last 14 home matches have all produced more than 1.5 total goals, reinforcing the expectation that this contest may not remain low-scoring.

The hosts also have notable first-half numbers. Liverpool have avoided going into the interval behind in their last 19 home matches, including each of their last 13 at Anfield in the Premier League. They have led at half-time in 12 of their previous 17 home fixtures and in eight of their last 12 home league games. Those trends suggest that the opening period could be particularly significant.

This is Liverpool's first home league fixture under Andoni Iraola, who replaced Slot after previously being in charge of Bournemouth. The squad also underwent several changes during the summer. Bradley Barcola arrived for £120 million, although the original report indicated that this game could come too soon for his debut. Jacquet and Munoz were also signed, while Araujo joined on loan. Mo Salah, Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson were among the departures.

Nottingham Forest Recent Form and Key Statistics

Nottingham Forest have experienced a difficult beginning to the campaign. Their first Premier League match ended in a 1-0 home loss to Leeds United, leaving them with no points, no goals scored and one conceded in the competition. They then faced Leeds again on August 25 and suffered a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat, once more failing to score.

Across their last five matches, Forest have collected two wins and three defeats. They have averaged only 0.8 goals scored per game during that run, while conceding an average of 1.0. The two consecutive scoreless losses to Leeds place additional focus on whether they can create a stronger attacking response at Anfield.

The visitors' away record from last season was mixed. They won seven Premier League matches on the road but were defeated nine times. Their more recent away trends nevertheless point toward eventful fixtures: each of Forest's last 12 away matches has contained over 1.5 total goals, with that pattern also appearing in their previous ten away league games.

First-half statistics may be another concern for Forest. At least one goal has been recorded before the interval in each of their last 12 Premier League away matches. They have also trailed at half-time in eight of their previous 12 away fixtures in the competition. Combined with Liverpool's strong home record before the break, this creates a clear contrast between the teams' recent first-half results.

Oliver Glasner is now in charge after moving from Crystal Palace. Forest also completed the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea, while Ousmane Diomande joined the squad. Chris Wood is available again after dealing with injuries last season. Elliot Anderson, meanwhile, departed for Manchester City.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Match Analysis

The available numbers give Liverpool the advantage, but the head-to-head record warns against treating the fixture as straightforward. The last meeting ended in a 1-0 Liverpool victory on February 22, 2026, while the five-match summary from Liverpool's perspective stands at two wins, one draw and two defeats. Across those meetings, Liverpool averaged 0.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded.

The home side's consistent scoring record is one of the strongest themes surrounding the game. Liverpool's last 14 matches in all competitions have exceeded 1.5 total goals, while each of their last 12 Premier League fixtures has also crossed that line. Forest bring a matching trend from their away schedule, with more than 1.5 goals occurring in their last 12 road games. The supplied probabilities place over 2.5 goals at 60% and both teams to score at 58%.

There is still uncertainty over Forest's attacking contribution after they failed to score in either of their first two competitive matches. Liverpool, by contrast, struck twice away to Newcastle and have scored in 18 consecutive Premier League games. Their recent defensive average of 1.8 goals conceded across five matches means Forest cannot be dismissed, although the visitors must improve on their opening displays to take advantage.

The first half could shape the overall contest. Liverpool regularly avoid trailing at Anfield and have often led by the interval, whereas Forest have been behind at half-time in eight of their last 12 Premier League away matches. At least one first-half goal has also been recorded in Forest's previous 12 away league fixtures. Even so, the clearest overall distinction is Liverpool's established scoring sequence against a Forest side arriving after back-to-back defeats without a goal.

The match probabilities give Liverpool a 59% chance of victory, compared with 21% for a draw and 20% for a Nottingham Forest win. Home advantage, Liverpool's six-game unbeaten home league sequence from the end of last season and Forest's recent attacking difficulties all support the hosts. The visitors' ability to win seven away league matches last term and the balanced head-to-head summary provide reasons for caution, but Liverpool hold the stronger statistical case before kick-off.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest prediction from BetMines: Liverpool win (1) with 59% probability.