The upcoming Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest is shadowed by a considerable number of player absences, particularly for the home side, forcing manager Arne Slot to make difficult choices regarding his starting lineup. With both teams seeking vital points – Liverpool to solidify their position in the Champions League race and Nottingham Forest to distance themselves from the relegation zone – the availability of key players will undoubtedly play a significant role. This report details the confirmed and potential absences, offering insight into how these limitations might shape the match.
Player Availability and Squad Updates
Reports indicate that Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable for Liverpool due to a groin injury sustained during a Champions League match last month. His absence has been noted in the last four games. Manager Arne Slot expressed hope for his return for the subsequent fixture against West Ham United. Conor Bradley is also confirmed to be out for the season with a muscle injury sustained during international duty.
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There is a suggestion that Hugo Ekitiké may return to the starting lineup, potentially replacing Federico Chiesa. Furthermore, Ryan Gravenberch is expected to feature, with a possibility of him substituting either Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister. Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones were subject to decisions made by Arne Slot regarding their availability. Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni are also listed as key absentees.
For Nottingham Forest, Alexander Isak's situation is noted, with decisions being made regarding his inclusion.
Injury Impact on Team Selection
Liverpool's Defensive Concerns
The absence of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, both right-backs, presents a significant challenge for Liverpool's defense.
This forces manager Arne Slot to potentially consider other players for these roles or adjust the team's tactical setup.
The availability of Alisson Becker in goal has been confirmed after an eight-game absence due to a hamstring issue, replacing Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez are noted as being part of the defensive unit.
Midfield and Forward Line Adjustments
The potential inclusion of Hugo Ekitiké as the team's only orthodox number 9 highlights the reliance on him in the forward line.
The report suggests Ryan Gravenberch might replace either Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister, indicating a potential shift in midfield dynamics.
Decisions have been made concerning Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones, though the specifics of these decisions are not fully elucidated.
Nottingham Forest's Situation
While the focus is heavily on Liverpool's injury concerns, Nottingham Forest also has players whose availability is being monitored. Alexander Isak is mentioned in relation to injury updates for Nottingham Forest. Further details regarding specific player availability for Nottingham Forest are less prevalent in the provided data.
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Match Context and Implications
The match is situated within the Premier League season, with both teams having clear objectives. Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League qualification makes dropped points particularly damaging, especially with rivals like Chelsea and Manchester United also competing. Nottingham Forest's position, described as "relegation-threatened," underscores the importance of this fixture for their survival hopes.
The historical context of this fixture is also relevant. Nottingham Forest holds positive memories of their last visit to Anfield, having defeated Liverpool previously. This suggests a potential psychological edge for the away side.
Expert Analysis and Predicted Outcomes
Predictions for the match outcome vary among sources. One analysis forecasts a Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest victory, while another suggests Liverpool 3-1 Nottingham Forest. These predictions indicate an expectation of Liverpool securing a win, though the margin and ease of victory are subjects of differing opinions. The statistical data provided offers insights into past encounters, goal-scoring averages, and possession statistics, which form the basis for these forecasts.
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Conclusion
The Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest match is defined by Liverpool's notable injury list, particularly in defensive positions. Manager Arne Slot faces the task of assembling a competitive lineup while navigating the absences of key players like Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. The potential return of Alisson Becker offers a significant boost. The impact of these team selections on Liverpool's performance, against a Nottingham Forest side fighting for survival, will be a central narrative of the upcoming fixture. The implications for Liverpool's Champions League aspirations and Nottingham Forest's league standing add substantial weight to this encounter.
Sources:
AOL:
sportsgambler.com: https://www.sportsgambler.com/betting-tips/football/nottingham-forest-vs-liverpool-prediction-lineups-odds-2026-02-22/
liverpool.com: https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/team-nottingham-forest-isak-jones-32925333
givemesport.com: https://www.givemesport.com/liverpool-nottingham-forest-team-news-starting-lineups-premier-league-2025-26/
sportingnews.com: https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/liverpool-nottingham-forest-prediction-lineups-odds-tv-bet-builder-tips/1832391db92c2c19eff2e770
thefootballfaithful.com: https://thefootballfaithful.com/liverpool-vs-nottingham-forest-predicted-lineup-and-team-news/
