Liverpool are targeting back-to-back victories at the City Ground for the first time since 1984. Meanwhile, having won in the league at Anfield for the first time since 155 days before the Moon Landing in September, Forest are seeking to complete a first league-double over the Reds in 61 years.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Preview
If someone had told you before a ball was kicked this season, more than half-way through the campaign, that Nottingham Forest and Liverpool would be just two places and six points apart, you'd assume Arne Slot was enduring a nightmare campaign on Merseyside. On the contrary, we've all jumped in our DeLoreans and be taken back in time to the late-70s, with these two clubs both involved in the title race for the first time since the days of Brian Clough and Bob Paisley.
To say Nottingham Forest come into this top-of-the-table clash in confident mood would be an understatement. Last time out in the league, eight nights ago, Nuno Espírito Santo's side beat his former employers Wolves 3-0, despite being on the back-foot for the majority of the night at Molineux; Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi all scoring.
That made it six successive top-flight victories for the Garibaldi Reds, achieving that for the first time since 1967, leaving Forest third in the table, a mere six points below their hosts. Then, at the weekend, the feel-good factor on the banks of the River Trent continued, as their side eased past Luton in the FA Cup, thanks to Ryan Yates' header, followed by Ramón Sosa's second half strike. To date, Nuno's team are the only side who've managed to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season, Callum Hudson-Odoi the only scorer at Anfield, so can Forest repeat the feat and claim a monumental scalp?
Liverpool meanwhile, despite being six points clear at the top and still on course for the quadruple, travel to the East Midlands under a bit of pressure. In their last league games, the Reds were held to an underwhelming 2-2 draw by Man United at Anfield, seemingly set for victory when quick-fire goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah had them in front, only for the visitors to hit-back and equalise, before almost snatching all the points at the death.
Then, last mid-week, Arne Slot suffered just his second defeat as Liverpool boss, beaten 1-0 by Spurs in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals, although it's no disaster, with the return tie on Merseyside to come next month. At the weekend, the Reds did get back to winning ways, swatting aside Accrington Stanley 4-0 in the FA Cup; Trent Alexander-Arnold with a rocket, while Diogo Jota, youngster Jayden Danns and forgotten man Federico Chiesa completed the rout. Now though, this visit to Nottingham, followed by Saturday's trip to Brentford, will be a stern examination of Liverpool's title credentials.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 121.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 32. Draws: 29. Liverpool Wins: 60.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nuno Espírito Santo made the full 11 changes against Luton, so is largely expected to revert to the side that beat Wolves in their last league outing here. Midfielder Danilo came on for the final five minutes at the weekend, his first action since suffering a broken ankle on the opening day, and his return only offers a further boost to a side riding the crest of a wave. The Brazilian is unlikely to be thrown in straight away, meaning Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson will continue to be the midfield duo, with one of the division's most exciting attacking quartets ahead of them.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Liverpool: (4-5-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Domínguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Nottingham Forest Player to Watch vs Liverpool
Matz Sels has kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League so far, two more than any other goalkeeper, and if he takes that tally to ten on Tuesday, Forest will have earned, at least, a credible draw if not more.
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot similarly gave his fringe players a go in the FA Cup and, with four competitions to juggle in January, will continue to rotate from game-to-game. Darwin Núñez is suspended, having been shown his fifth caution of the campaign against Man United, while Joe Gomez is sidelined, but Jarell Quansah completed 90 minutes at the weekend, a mere three days after suffering an injury scare at Spurs. Dominik Szoboszlai got 45 minutes into his legs against Accrington Stanley, having not featured since Boxing Day due to suspension and then illness, while 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha became the club's youngest-ever starter in that game. Lastly, at right-back, despite wide-spread critism of his recent form, Trent Alexander-Arnold will get the nod over Conor Bradley.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Luis Díaz.
Liverpool Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest
Such are Mohamed Salah's high-standards, it's perceived as a goal draught after the Egyptian failed to score in one EFL Cup tie. In the Premier League though he's bagged 14 in his last 12 outings, although he is yet to score at the City Ground, so can he change that fact?
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction
We're backing Nottingham Forest to earn a positive result when Liverpool visits, hence why we're forecasting a blood and thunder score draw: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Premier League game on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Premier League game on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool takes place on Tuesday 14 January 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).