Liverpool continues on their title trek against Nottingham Forest in a potentially tricky matchup. The Tricky Trees are a tough contest for any visiting club, as the supporting crowd usually shows up in good numbers and with strong voices. Both clubs will be on jellied legs as they endured domestic cup duties midweek. Read on to access an expert Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool prediction and explore stats and the latest Liverpool odds in 2024.
- Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool, English Premier League
- March 2, 2024
- 10 AM EST
- City Ground, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England
- Peacock
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Liverpool will be the favorites despite their road status as the club is currently lined at (-185). Nottingham Forest hopes to defend City Ground honorably and earn a critical three points in their attempt to avoid relegation as (+470) underdogs. A draw would pay out bettors at (+380).
Premier League
Nottingham Forest +470 +461 +440 +450 +450 Liverpool -185 -190 -190 -190 -190 Draw +373 +368 +380 +380 +380
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Nottingham Forest Head to Head Record and Statistics
Since Forest’s promotion in 2022, the teams have clashed thrice in the Premier League. Liverpool has secured two victories to Forest’s one, with the latter’s lone win occurring in their initial encounter. This match took place at the City Ground, concluding 1-0 in favor of the hosts, with Awoniyi scoring the decisive goal 13 minutes into the second half. Additionally, they faced off in the 2022 FA Cup quarter-finals, where Liverpool emerged victorious, thanks to a late Diogo Jota goal, eventually winning the competition that year.
In the recent reverse fixture earlier this season at Anfield, Liverpool comfortably triumphed. Quick-fire goals from Jota and Nunez in the first half gave them a commanding lead at halftime, and Salah added a third in the second half.
Unfortunately, Forest’s top scorer, Chris Wood, is unavailable, putting the goal-scoring responsibility on players like Anthony Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Liverpool Recent Games and Injury News
The race for the title is underway, approaching the delightful phase of the year where each match week carries significant weight in deciding the Premier League trophy’s destination. Manchester City is closely trailing the Reds by just one point, ready to seize any opportunity in the title race. Their match next week could play a pivotal role in deciding who gets to hoist silverware at the end of the season, but the Tricky Trees present a challenge first.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad has maintained only one clean sheet in the last 15 games. Therefore, Liverpool’s offensive prowess should find success, despite any absent players. With 16 goals in 21 appearances this season, Mo Salah is poised to add to his tally if he is in the lineup. Darwin Nunez is also aiming to reach double digits for the season.
There is a possibility of Mohamed Salah making a comeback to the squad for the Nottingham Forest match. The Egyptian star was absent in the last two games but is now in improved condition. Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez may also be ready to participate in the upcoming game.
Liverpool’s standout goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, remains unavailable due to injury. Similarly, Thiago Alcantara, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joel Matip are also facing potential absence due to injuries.
Short Rest and Upcoming Games to Affect Outcome
While both clubs are coming off just a few days’ rest, the advantage in this instance should lean towards Nottingham Forest. This is because the Trees will enjoy home amenities throughout the week, and as underdogs, will benefit from less energy across the board. Liverpool have been dealing with significant injuries to boot, with Salah, Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo all dealing with recent knocks.
The Reds may also be too focused on the horizon to notice the danger under their noses. Liverpool travels to Czechia to play Sparta Praha in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie before a massive domestic match against Manchester City takes place at Anfield. With both Liverpool and Manchester City firmly in the race for the Premier League trophy, the result there could prove massive.
Therefore, I would not be surprised to see Klopp select a more conservative lineup in hopes of resting his quality players ahead of more significant matches. After all, Liverpool was forced to start some of their U21 players in the League Cup Final of all places last weekend, so a repeat situation would not be preferred.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction and Free Betting Pick
I will place my hard-earned money on Nottingham Forest to keep this one close at home, with the expectation being they can score at least once on a tired, depleted side with priorities in other competitions. The City Ground is not an easy place to earn a result in, and I think a Forest draw or even win is not out of the question.
However, a high total is quite possible as well, as Nottingham Forest’s defensive struggles are well-documented. To cover a multitude of outcomes, I will recommend betting a half unit on Forest +1 and the total over 3 at (-134).
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