Match Preview
A big Premier League test at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest host Liverpool. This fixture can be defined by momentum swings: Forest feeding off the home crowd and trying to turn the match into a duel-heavy contest, while Liverpool look to control the ball, manage transitions, and create repeated pressure in the final third.
Forest’s best performances often come when they stay compact, protect central areas, and then break with purpose into the channels. At home, that approach becomes even sharper one good turnover can produce a clear chance quickly. If Forest keep it level into the final half-hour, the City Ground atmosphere can become a factor in every tackle and second ball.
Liverpool will want the opposite: a cleaner rhythm, longer spells of possession, and fast switches of play to stretch Forest’s block. The key is avoiding “cheap” turnovers in midfield that invite counters. If Liverpool score first, they can force Forest to open up exactly where Liverpool’s pace and movement can hurt teams late on.
There’s also recent history between these sides that adds spice. Forest shocked Liverpool with a 3–0 win at Anfield earlier in the season, so Liverpool arrive with a point to prove, and Forest arrive knowing they can frustrate and punish them again.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast rights vary by country for the Premier League. Check your local sports networks and official streaming partners in your region. Club match centres also provide live coverage and updates.
Match Information
| Date | 21 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 15:00 UTC (15:00 GMT / 16:00 CET / 20:30 Sri Lanka time) |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham |
| Competition | England – Premier League |
Match listing: Sofascore match page
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 – Nottingham Forest | Check market (varies) |
| X – Draw | Check market (varies) |
| 2 – Liverpool | Check market (varies) |
Note: Odds can move a lot close to kick-off. Use reputable, legal operators in your country.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | What to Expect (Snapshot) |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | Compact defending and quick breaks at home; most dangerous when the game becomes physical and stop-start. |
| Liverpool | Possession and territory-focused; key is staying disciplined against transitions and creating high-quality chances, not just volume. |
Head-to-Head note: Forest’s 3–0 away win earlier in the season proves this matchup can flip fast if Liverpool lose control of transitions. For official match recaps and H2H context: Premier League recap
Key Battles to Watch
- Transitions: Forest will target turnovers; Liverpool must keep their “rest defence” organised to stop counters.
- Wide areas: Liverpool’s switches and overlaps vs Forest’s ability to defend the box and break into space.
- Second balls: The City Ground can turn matches into duels who wins the scraps could win the night.
- First goal: It changes everything in this kind of fixture.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Liverpool
Prediction: Forest can make this uncomfortable and create moments, especially at home, but Liverpool’s ability to sustain pressure and generate repeated chances gives them the edge if they stay patient and avoid transition mistakes.
Best Bet Ideas (safer style): Liverpool draw no bet (risk-reduced) or Under 3.5 goals, as tight tactical matches often stay controlled for long stretches.