Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League Match Preview and Prediction – 22/11/2025 at Anfield

After a demanding start to life under Arne Slot, including a recent heavy defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool returns to the familiar comfort of Anfield to face a newly managerial-changed Nottingham Forest side. While the Reds are still adjusting to a new tactical system following a turbulent summer of transfers, they are heavy favorites against a Forest side battling injury woes and inconsistent form.

Liverpool: The Slot System and Star Power

Arne Slot's era at Liverpool has been defined by significant personnel turnover. The departures of icons like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz, along with Darwin Núñez, marked a decisive shift. The new look features a heavily invested attack led by Swedish striker Alexander Isak (a British record signing) and the creative spark of Florian Wirtz and Federico Chiesa.

Despite this influx of talent, Slot is still seeking consistency. The 3-0 loss to Manchester City highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition, which Forest's pacey attack could look to exploit. However, the international break should have offered vital time for Slot to integrate new pieces and solidify his defensive structure, especially with the potential return of key players.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3)

Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Isak, Gakpo.

(Key Team News: Goalkeeper Alisson is expected to return from injury. New right-back Jeremie Frimpong may also be rushed back, while Alexander Isak is training with the team again after a three-week layoff, though his match fitness remains a major question mark.)

Nottingham Forest: The Dyche Effect

It’s been another rollercoaster of a season at the City Ground. Following two quick managerial changes (Nuno Espírito Santo then Ange Postecoglou), Sean Dyche has been brought in to stabilize the club. While Dyche’s influence typically brings defensive solidity, he faces a threadbare squad for this trip to Anfield.

Forest invested heavily again, bringing in significant attacking talent like Dan Ndoye and Omari Hutchinson, and strengthening the midfield with Douglas Luiz (on loan) and James McAtee. However, a growing injury list has decimated their preferred starting XI. Their hope will rest on the pace of their wingers and the ability of Morgan Gibbs-White to link play on the counter-attack, which remains the most potent part of their game.

Predicted Nottingham Forest XI (4-4-2)

Sels; Williams, Milenković, Murillo, Zinchenko; Ndoye, Sangaré, McAtee, Gittens; Wood, Gibbs-White.

(Key Team News: Forest is severely depleted. Key players like Chris Wood (knee), Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), Douglas Luiz, and Ola Aina are all long-term absentees, severely limiting Dyche's options in midfield and attack.)

Tactical Snapshot & Final Verdict

This fixture boils down to Liverpool's quality against Forest's resilience.

1. The Liverpool Threat: Even with recent defensive struggles, Liverpool’s attack is formidable. If Wirtz and Salah can find space in the half-spaces and feed Isak (or Gakpo, if Isak isn't 100%), they will overwhelm a Forest defense that has conceded heavily in big games this season.

2. The Forest Hope: Dyche will set his side up to be compact and frustrating, aiming to hit Liverpool on the counter-attack via quick bursts from Ndoye and Gibbs-White. Their best chance is exploiting any continued defensive miscommunication in Slot’s high line, but the sheer lack of attacking options makes sustaining pressure difficult.

3. The Anfield Factor: Liverpool’s home form is typically a fortress. Coupled with Forest’s injury crisis and managerial upheaval, the task for the visitors seems too great.

While Forest might hold out for the first half, the depth and high-level quality of Liverpool’s attack should eventually break the deadlock and allow the Reds to secure a much-needed three points.

Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3 - 0 Nottingham Forest

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