Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool | Premier League | Pre Match

Few would have looked at the fixture list back in August and predicted this January clash between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool would have ramifications in the Premier League title race.

There was enough uncertainty as it was over a Liverpool side beginning a new era under Arne Slot after Jürgen Klopp’s departure, but the league leaders are flourishing under the Dutchman. Slot has successfully implemented his tactical philosophy, blending defensive solidity with dynamic attacking play, and the results have propelled Liverpool back to the top of the table.

Far more unlikely, however, is Forest’s meteoric rise to becoming potential Champions League or even title contenders. Under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have defied expectations and sit third in the table. With a victory at the City Ground, they can close the gap to Liverpool to just three points, though the visitors would still hold a crucial game in hand. Forest’s transformation into a top-tier side has been remarkable, characterized by astute signings, a disciplined defense, and a never-say-die attitude.

Forest’s current form is nothing short of sensational. The team has strung together six consecutive Premier League wins, and a triumph over Liverpool would see them equal their longest-ever winning streak of seven league matches. This historic feat has only been achieved by the club on four previous occasions: February 1893, December 1906, October 1921, and September 1979. Forest’s recent performances at the City Ground have been equally impressive, with five wins from their last six home top-flight matches (L1). This resurgence has surpassed their tally from the previous 21 home games, where they managed only four wins, seven draws, and ten defeats.

A victory against Liverpool would also mark a significant milestone for Forest. It would be their fourth consecutive home league win in the same top-flight season, a feat they last accomplished in January 1996. The City Ground has become a fortress under Espírito Santo, with the team combining resolute defending and clinical finishing to outmatch their opponents.

Central to Forest’s success has been their stoic defense, anchored by goalkeeper Matz Sels. With nine Premier League clean sheets this season, Sels leads the league in this category. The only Forest goalkeeper to have recorded more clean sheets in a single Premier League campaign is Mark Crossley, who managed 13 in 1994-95. Sels’ heroics between the sticks have provided a solid foundation for Forest’s title challenge, earning him widespread plaudits.

If Forest were to defeat Liverpool, they would achieve a rare and remarkable feat. It would mark only the third instance in Premier League history where both of a team’s first two defeats in a season came at the hands of the same opponent. Liverpool fell to a 1-0 loss against Forest in the reverse fixture at Anfield in September. Such a scenario has previously occurred only twice: Manchester United against Chelsea in 1993-94 and Newcastle United against Liverpool in 2022-23. Forest’s ability to trouble Liverpool this season speaks volumes about their growth as a team.

Liverpool, however, remain formidable, especially on the road. The Reds are unbeaten in nine away Premier League matches this season (W7, D2). Only in three previous top-flight campaigns have Liverpool started with longer unbeaten runs away from home: 1987-88 (15 games), 2018-19 (10 games), and 2019-20 (13 games). Slot’s men have displayed remarkable consistency on their travels, blending tactical discipline with devastating counter-attacks.

A key factor in Liverpool’s success has been their attacking prowess. The team has scored at least twice in each of their past 12 Premier League games, their second-longest such streak. The record, set between March and September 2019, stands at 15 consecutive matches. This relentless goal-scoring form has made Liverpool a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Mohamed Salah, as ever, has been at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking exploits. The Egyptian superstar has scored 18 Premier League goals this season, with 16 of them coming in the second half of games. Salah’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has been pivotal for Liverpool, and he is chasing his own record of 18 second-half goals in a single season, set during the 2017-18 campaign.

Cody Gakpo has emerged as another key player for Liverpool. The Dutch international has scored in three consecutive Premier League games, the longest such run of his career. Gakpo is now aiming to join an elite group of Dutch players who have scored in at least four successive Premier League matches. The most recent player to achieve this feat was Crysencio Summerville in November 2022, while Dirk Kuyt accomplished it for Liverpool in a five-game streak that ended in May 2011. Gakpo’s form has added another dimension to Liverpool’s attack, complementing Salah’s brilliance.

Forest’s squad has been bolstered by the return of key players. Danilo made his comeback from injury in the FA Cup victory over Luton Town, while Ibrahim Sangaré is also nearing a return to action. These reinforcements will provide a significant boost as Forest aim to maintain their momentum. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be without Joe Gomez, who remains sidelined through injury, and Darwin Núnez, who is suspended for this crucial encounter. These absences could test Liverpool’s depth and resilience.

This fixture is far from a foregone conclusion. Forest’s 1-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season demonstrated their ability to compete with the best, and they will be determined to complete the league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 1962-63 campaign. The City Ground faithful will be dreaming of another famous victory, one that could propel Forest closer to the summit of the Premier League.

Liverpool’s recent record at the City Ground offers a mixed picture. While they secured a 1-0 win in this fixture last season, it was their first victory at the venue in 13 attempts. Prior to that, Liverpool endured a torrid 13-game winless run away to Forest in the league (D7, L6). History suggests that this will be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams desperate to claim all three points.

Ultimately, this match has all the ingredients of a classic. Forest’s remarkable resurgence, coupled with Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of the title, sets the stage for an enthralling battle. The outcome could have significant implications for the Premier League title race, as well as the race for Champions League qualification. With so much at stake, fans can expect a high-stakes showdown at the City Ground.