Liverpool vs Nottingham Prediction & Betting Tips (29 August)

Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday, 29 August 2026 for an early Premier League kick-off under the Anfield lights. Both clubs enter the fixture with new managers at the helm—Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool after Arne Slot's departure, while Oliver Glasner leads Nottingham Forest following a turbulent spell that saw multiple coaching changes. The Reds opened their campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, twice coming from behind through Cody Gakpo and a 99th-minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty. Forest, meanwhile, suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Leeds United on the opening weekend, with Anton Stach's late free-kick deciding a tight contest at the City Ground.

For the 2026/2027 season, Liverpool have reshaped their squad significantly following the exits of Ibrahima Konaté to Real Madrid, Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor, and Andy Robertson to Tottenham. Iraola's likely starting eleven features Alisson Becker between the posts, with Jeremie Frimpong, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez across the back. The midfield is expected to be anchored by Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, supporting an attacking trio of Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo behind striker Alexander Isak. Nottingham Forest have invested in Portuguese defender Ousmane Diomande and midfielder Xaver Schlager, and Glasner is expected to deploy Matz Sels in goal with a back three of Diomande, Nikola Milenkovic, and Murillo, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus provide the attacking threat. Injury concerns rule out Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Joseph Gomez for the hosts, while Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona miss out for the visitors. Liverpool will be keen to improve on last season's stuttering home form, which included a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield.

The European odds reflect Liverpool's status as strong favourites on home soil. The best market prices currently sit at approximately 1.52 for a Liverpool victory, 4.83 for the draw, and 6.76 for a Nottingham Forest upset. Both Teams to Score is priced around 1.75, while the Over 2.5 goals market hovers near 1.62. Given Liverpool's firepower through Wirtz, Gakpo, and Isak, and Forest's defensive approach under Glasner, the value appears to lie with the home side covering the handicap. The Reds' opening-day resilience at St James' Park demonstrated their character, whereas Forest's blunt display against Leeds suggests they may struggle to contain Anfield's attacking rotations for the full ninety minutes.

Taking everything into account—Liverpool's squad depth, home advantage, and Nottingham Forest's tepid start to the season—our prediction is a 3-1 victory for the Merseysiders. Iraola's aggressive, front-foot philosophy should eventually overwhelm a Forest side still adjusting to another managerial change. The Tricky Trees have shown they can frustrate Liverpool on their day, but the personnel changes and early-season momentum point toward a comfortable home win this time around. Forest's recent away record makes for grim reading, with a 3-2 reverse at Manchester United in May highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities on the road. Expect goals from both sides, with Liverpool's quality in the final third proving decis