Preview — City Ground set for a high-stakes clash
Nottingham Forest welcome Liverpool to The City Ground on 22/02/2026 in a fixture that carries consequences for both sides. Forest, sitting 17th in the table, have endured an up-and-down run of results but arrive with confidence after a convincing 3-0 win in the Europa League against Fenerbahçe just days before this meeting. That victory — featuring Morgan Gibbs-White as the standout performer — will have injected belief into a squad that has struggled for goals across the season, scoring 25 and conceding 38 in 26 league matches. The home crowd of 30,445 will hope that recent European form translates into Premier League momentum.
Liverpool, sixth and chasing European places, arrive as clear favorites on paper. Jurgen Klopp’s side have shown more consistent goal production with 41 league goals and a much healthier attacking profile across the campaign. Their last outings include a comfortable FA Cup win over Brighton and a 1-2 loss to Manchester City, but Mohamed Salah’s player-of-the-match display in the cup confirms Liverpool’s firepower remains potent. Liverpool’s total of 12 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses suggests a team capable of grinding out results on the road — and the odds reflect that status.
Tactical and statistical snapshot
Forest’s season numbers highlight a side that creates a fair volume of shots but lacks the cutting edge to convert chances consistently; their shots inside the box tally and total shots show effort, yet only 25 goals in the league underlines inefficiency. Conversely, Liverpool produce more attacks and dangerous opportunities per match, and their superior shots totals point to sustained pressure and finishing quality. Head-to-head history this season already favours Liverpool, with a 3-0 win earlier in the campaign — a psychological edge that cannot be dismissed.
For bettors weighing markets, consider the team's recent forms and the bookmaker pricing. Liverpool’s odds of 1.77 imply a market confidence of roughly 56.5% for an away win, while the draw and home victory carry much longer prices. If you prefer to refine your approach to market selection, take a look at Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets for guidance on matching strategy to market. For those who focus on timing and goal lines, this piece on How the betting odds work in sports betting is a useful companion to understanding value.
Betting suggestion: backed by Liverpool’s superior attacking numbers, stronger form, and the market price, the most straightforward value lies in the 1X2 market. A calculated selection is Liverpool to win at 1.77 — an option supported by their recent results and the H2H advantage. Keep stakes sensible and consider mixing in a small stakes approach if you want exposure to the goal market as a hedge; always manage your bankroll and bet responsibly.
