Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest preview, kick-off time, how to watch, and team news

Liverpool head to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon knowing that a third consecutive victory would tighten their grip on a top-four place, while newly appointed Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira prepares for his first Premier League home match since succeeding Sean Dyche.

The encounter, scheduled for a 2 pm GMT kick-off on 22 February 2026, pits a Forest side hovering three points above the relegation zone against an in-form Liverpool outfit buoyed by successive wins and determined to secure Champions League football next season.

UK viewers can watch the contest live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 1 pm GMT. Subscribers may stream the action via the Sky Go app, and extended highlights plus post-match analysis will be available across the broadcaster’s digital platforms.

Team news

Nottingham Forest

Pereira is expected to shuffle his pack after Thursday’s energy-sapping 3-0 Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Portuguese coach has repeatedly emphasised the need to utilise his full squad during a congested run-in, so rotation appears likely.

Defender Willy Boly, goalkeeper Matz Sels, striker Chris Wood and midfielder John Victor are all ruled out through injury. Summer signing Nicolo Savona faces a late fitness test on a knee complaint, but centre-back Murillo returns after scoring in mid-week and is available for selection.

Liverpool

Arne Slot’s squad emerged unscathed from their 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win against Brighton, leaving the Dutchman with relatively clean bills of health. Ryan Gravenberch and on-loan forward Hugo Ekitike are pushing for recalls after beginning that tie on the bench.

The only positional headache for Slot lies at right-back, where Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring issue keeps him sidelined. Joe Gomez is the leading candidate to deputise, while Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and young defender Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable.

Tactical pointers

Forest are expected to mirror the aggressive start that has become a hallmark of Pereira’s early tenure, hoping to feed off a raucous City Ground atmosphere. Yet Liverpool’s superior control in possession and sharper attacking transitions should allow them to weather an early storm before imposing their quality.

If Slot’s men negotiate the opening exchanges without incident, the Reds possess the cutting edge to claim another valuable away victory and maintain momentum in the race for Champions League qualification.

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