Nottingham Forest - Liverpool predictions and free betting tips [02/03/2024]

On Saturday, 2nd of February, on the 27th round of the Premier League, Nottingham Forest will host Liverpool on their home turf. Last Wednesday, the 'Forest' were out of the 1/8 final of the League Cup, losing to Manchester United 0:1, while Liverpool’s reserve squad benefited from a crushing victory over Southampton - 3:0.

Predicted line-ups

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Niakhate, Murillo, Toffolo; Danilo, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi.
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Gomez, Mac Allister; Gakpo, Danns, Diaz.

The Stadium

The bout will take place in Nottingham at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest

Being under the threat of relegation to the Championship, Nottingham Forest holds the 17th place in the Premier League table, having a game in hand and staying 4 points from Luton, which is ranked 18th. The red-and-whites recently broke a series of 4 games without a win (1 draw and 3 defeats), securing a home victory over West Ham United with a scoreline of 2:0. Unfortunately for fans, there was a slump: last weekend Nuno Espírito's charges lost to Aston Villa 4:2, and then were knocked out of the 1/8 final of the FA Cup by Manchester United (0:1) - Bruno Fernandes' cunning header after a free-kick delivery decided everything.

It's important to note that despite all the problems, Forest managed to score in the championship matches under Nuno, although during this time they could only secure one clean sheet. It's no surprise that the team’s performance at the City Ground isn't impressive: they've bagged 15 points from 13 home games, scoring 19 goals and conceding 20.

Liverpool

Jürgen Klopp is conducting his last matches at the helm of Liverpool. Last weekend, the Merseysiders clinched their first title of the season, securing a tough victory over Chelsea 1:0 in the League Cup final. In the league, the Reds are also in good form: leading the Premier League table with a one-point lead over Manchester City, the visitors sequentially won against Burnley (3:1), Brentford (1:4) and Luton Town (4:1) in February.

During the midweek, Southampton visited Anfield for a 1/8 final of the FA Cup, and the 'saints' were heavily defeated by the young lads from the Reds academy (3:0): a goal from Lewis Cumas and a brace from Jayden Danns decided everything. It’s important to note that the Merseysiders rank third overall for performances away from home: In 13 away fixtures of the PL, they picked up 25 points, scored 26 goals and conceded 14. Next Thursday, Liverpool will fly to Prague to take on Sparta in the first match of the Europa League's 1/8 finals, however, staff problems might significantly shuffle the deck for Jürgen Klopp. 

Head-to-head meetings

In October, Liverpool defeated Forest 3:0 at Anfield, however, the visitors have not won any of the last 13 away matches against Forest, including each of the last six visits to the City Ground within the Premier League.

Prediction for the Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool match

While Liverpool's injury crisis is getting worse every week, Nottingham relatively peacefully passed the winter stretch and strives to increase the lead from the relegation zone, which currently stands at four points. The Liverpool youth cannot consistently secure victories on emotions alone, sooner or later the lack of experience will impact the performance of the Grandee. My prediction is handicap Forest 1.5.

Total prediction

Nottingham scored in all PL matches under Nuno's leadership, so given the personnel problems of the guests, Forest have all the chances to walk away with at least one conceded goal on Saturday.

Corner kick prediction

Nottingham will definitely not sit back on defence against half-main Liverpool's squad, even more so with the support of home stands. I am wagering on the hosts' individual total in corners to be over 3.5.

Yellow cards prediction

In all three previous head-to-head meetings, Nottingham won by yellow cards – and it will be the same this time around.

Score prediction

I'm wagering on an exact scoreline of 2:1 in favour of Nottingham.