Liverpool begin their Premier League home programme against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with both teams searching for their first victory of the 2026/27 season. The Reds drew 2-2 at Newcastle United, while Forest lost 1-0 at home to Leeds United.
Match Preview
The fixture marks Andoni Iraola’s first competitive match at Anfield as Liverpool head coach. His team twice recovered from behind at Newcastle, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a stoppage-time penalty, but defensive vulnerability on transitions prevented a winning start.
Forest arrive under Oliver Glasner after consecutive defeats by Leeds. A late free-kick decided their league opener before a 2-0 EFL Cup loss followed three days later. Despite those results, Forest’s compact shape and counter-attacking threat demand respect.
Iraola’s pre-match assessment stressed patience, defensive balance and control. He acknowledged that Forest concede few clear chances and warned Liverpool against leaving space for quick transitions.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Match Details
- Competition: Premier League, Matchday Two
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kick-off: 2:30 p.m. Uganda time
The afternoon kick-off should attract large audiences at homes and viewing centres across Kampala, Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara and Mbale. Liverpool have one of Uganda’s most established supporter bases, making Iraola’s Anfield debut particularly relevant to local Premier League followers.
Liverpool Seek Better Balance
Liverpool showed attacking fluidity at Newcastle but left themselves exposed when possession changed. Iraola wants midfielders and full-backs to recognise when they can advance and when they must protect the defence.
Alexander Isak should lead the attack, supported by Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez could provide width from full-back, with Virgil van Dijk partnering young Jeremy Jacquet centrally.
Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Joe Gomez is unavailable because of a muscle problem. Hugo Ekitike continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury. Jacquet impressed on his league debut despite entering the season with limited preparation.
Forest Carry Anfield Confidence
Forest have won three Premier League games against Liverpool since returning to the division in 2022, more than any other club during that period. They also won the last two league meetings at Anfield, including a convincing 3-0 victory last season.
However, Forest have struggled for goals recently, failing to score in four of their last six matches. Glasner will hope Morgan Gibbs-White recovers from a knee strain because his passing and late runs are central to their attacking structure.
Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona are unavailable, while Neco Williams is doubtful following a knock. If Williams misses out, Ola Aina and Luca Netz could operate as wing-backs around a three-man defence.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head
Nottingham Forest have become difficult opponents for Liverpool in recent seasons. Since returning to the Premier League in 2022, Forest have beaten the Reds three times—more victories against Liverpool than any other club during that period. They won both league meetings last season, including an impressive 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Before those two defeats, however, Liverpool had lost only once in their previous 30 league encounters with Forest, recording 24 wins and five draws. The Reds have never suffered three consecutive home league defeats against Forest, allowing Iraola’s team to halt the visitors’ recent dominance.
Players to Watch
Alexander Isak: Liverpool’s centre-forward needs better service after a quiet opening match. His intelligent movement, finishing, and ability to combine with Wirtz can challenge Forest’s disciplined defensive line.
Morgan Gibbs-White: If fit, Forest’s creator offers their greatest attacking influence. He has contributed two goals and one assist among Forest’s last six goals at Anfield.
Prediction and Match Markets
The Opta supercomputer gives Liverpool a 61.1 percent victory probability, compared with 20.7 percent for a draw and 18.2 percent for Forest. Home advantage favours the Reds, but Forest’s recent record makes a comfortable victory far from certain.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest. Markets readers may assess include a Liverpool win, both teams to score, over 2.5 total goals, and Liverpool to score over 1.5 goals. Predictions are opinions rather than guarantees, and confirmed teams should be checked before kick-off.
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Final Verdict
Forest’s organisation and Anfield record should test Liverpool, especially during transitions. Nevertheless, the hosts possess greater attacking quality and should create enough chances to give Iraola a narrow victory in his first competitive home match for the Anfield crowd on Saturday afternoon.
