Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Picks and Predictions: Liverpool Untroubled by Forest

One of the most significant mismatches on paper occurs at the City Ground on Saturday, as relegation-favorites Nottingham Forest host a Liverpool team that look set to awaken from an excessively long slumber. 

The Reds enter proceedings in Nottingham on the back of successive wins. A victory against Nottingham Forest would mark Liverpool’s first three-match winning streak of the season. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest clawed their way to a 0-0 draw at Brighton, their second draw in three previous contests. 

We preview this EPL clash and give our Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool picks below. 

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool best odds

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool picks and predictions

Despite their early-season putrefaction, the Reds are astronomical favorites no matter which sportsbook you turn to. BetMGM has Liverpool as the behemoth -417 moneyline favorite, underpinning the David vs. Goliath motif. 

Liverpool’s last two matches, 1-0 wins over Manchester City and West Ham, have provided ample evidence of the side’s impending resurgence. The victory over prolific City would have buoyed the team, injecting unparalleled confidence into each individual on the roster. 

After conceding three goals in consecutive matches, Jurgen Klopp will be elated to see his side keep successive clean sheets. Preventing City, who had scored 13 goals in three previous tilts, from scoring is an admirable accomplishment. Liverpool are the first team to keep a clean sheet against City this season, providing a perfect platform from which to ascend. 

They followed up that unprecedented result with another shutout, this time against the visiting Hammers. While by no means comprehensive, the result was another step in the right direction. Beforehand, the Reds’ entire rearguard was heavily scrutinized for their collective mediocrity, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the eye of the media storm. 

The pressure is now on the Reds to prove they can replicate those assured home performances on enemy territory, where they’ve only taken two points from a possible 12. Klopp’s side has the joint-fourth worst away record and is still searching for its first triumph away from Anfield.  

Nottingham Forest provide the ideal fixture for Liverpool to secure a surprisingly elusive road victory. Forest are winless in nine Premier League contests, including four at home. You’d have to roll the clock back to Aug. 14 to locate their last home triumph, a 1-0 win over West Ham. 

Forest have the dubious title as the Premier League’s worst home side. With six goals for and nine against, they’ve taken just four points from a possible 15. A solitary win and a 1-1 draw in the previous match against fellow relegation candidates Aston Villa comprise their entire home return. 

Liverpool should extend their winning and clean-sheet streak to three matches, defeating lowly Forest either 2-0 or 3-0. 

My best bet: Liverpool to win and Nottingham Forest not to score (+110 at BetMGM)

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool side analysis

Klopp has five regulars unavailable for the contest. However, all that does is provide Liverpool a chance to showcase their impressive depth. Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are still out, which should place van Dijk and Joe Gomez at the heart of the defense. 

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are also unavailable, placing the pressure squarely on the last two match winners, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez. The latter scored the winner against West Ham, his first Premier League goal at Anfield. Roberto Firmino – with six Premier League goals – is also in fine goalscoring form and is available if necessary.  

It looks like Nunez is coming to terms with the pace and physicality of the top flight, which increases the likelihood of him scoring at Forest on Saturday. Klopp’s personnel concerns won’t hamper his side’s chances of securing all three points at the City Ground.  

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Over/Under analysis

As Nottingham Forest probably won’t notch a goal, the question is whether Liverpool can score three or more. That depends entirely on the first 30 minutes. Forest will invariably execute a deep defensive shell, making Liverpool pick out an incisive pass or come up with a clinical finish. 

The floodgates could open if Liverpool score early. Forest have conceded 23 goals, the joint-second worst defensive record. They kept a clean sheet away to Brighton in their last match but conceded 19 shots, three of which were on target. 

Five of Liverpool’s previous six away matches resulted in the Over, while their last two matches saw only one goal. Six of Liverpool’s 10 matches resulted in the Over. 

Forest’s last three matches resulted in the Under, while their previous four all saw three or more goals. Forest’s defense has improved substantially since being shelled 4-0 at the King Power Stadium against Leicester. 

Look for Forest to enjoy another solid defensive outing, with Liverpool breaking through to score two, maybe three. I’m leaning toward the Under, as Forest won’t find a way to penetrate Liverpool’s revived defense. Although a 3-0 win is just as likely. 

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool game info

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool key injuries

Nottingham Forest: Moussa Niakhate D (Out), Omar Richards D (Out), Jack Colback M (Out), Lewis O’Brien M (Questionable), Renan Lodi D (Questionable), Harry Toffolo D (Questionable).
Liverpool: Arthur M (Out), Joel Matip D (Out), Luis Diaz F (Out), Naby Keita M (Out), Diogo Jota F (Out), Ibrahima Konate (Questionable).

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool weather

The temperature will be 61 Fahrenheit for the mid-afternoon kickoff. Winds will be 11 mph, and humidity is expected to be 73%. Currently, there is a low 4% percent of precipitation.

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