Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Reds backed to deliver goals in Anfield test

Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on 29 August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 GMT, as Andoni Iraola prepares for his first major Premier League home fixture. The Reds will be looking for a response after drawing 2-2 at Newcastle, while Forest are aiming to end a run of two successive defeats by Leeds.

Cameroon-based sports betting expert and journalist Arthur Wandji has backed a goals-focused outcome, with the market for both teams to score and more than 2.5 goals priced at 2.05.

Liverpool began their league campaign with an eventful draw at Newcastle. Cody Gakpo put them on the scoresheet, while Dominik Szoboszlai rescued a point by converting a penalty in the 99th minute.

However, their broader recent record is less convincing. Across their past five matches, Liverpool have recorded one win, two draws and two defeats. Their pre-season programme included losses by 3-2 to Monaco and 4-2 to Leeds, before they responded with a 2-0 victory against Como.

Nottingham Forest have endured an even more difficult start. They were beaten 1-0 by Leeds in the Premier League and then lost 2-0 to the same opponents in the League Cup on 25 August.

Before those setbacks, Forest defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 and Brest 2-0 in preparation matches. They also suffered defeats by Barcelona, who won 1-0, and Udinese.

Both sides have concerns over player availability. Liverpool are expected to be without Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni, according to the information available. Forest’s absentees are reported to include Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona.

Recent meetings provide Liverpool with some encouragement. The Reds have won three of the past five encounters between the clubs, although Forest produced a notable surprise by winning 3-0 at Anfield in November 2025.

Liverpool’s defensive record is another factor in the prediction. They have conceded nine goals in their last five games while scoring eight. Their opening league match at Newcastle also ended with two goals conceded, suggesting Forest may find opportunities despite Liverpool’s greater attacking threat.

The proposed 2.05 selection is based on the expectation that both teams will score and that the match will contain at least three goals. Each of Liverpool’s past seven competitive fixtures has featured goals from both sides and open scorelines.

There is a potential warning sign in Forest’s recent results, with four of their last five competitive matches producing fewer than 2.5 goals. Nevertheless, Forest have scored in each of their past 10 away matches, while Liverpool’s current defensive uncertainty could allow the visitors to contribute to a high-scoring contest.

Possible outcomes considered by the prediction include 2-1, 3-1 and 2-2. Liverpool’s need for a result in Iraola’s Anfield era, together with the quality of their forward players, should give them chances to score at least twice against a Forest defence still settling into its season.

Dominik Szoboszlai is identified as one of the players capable of making the difference for the hosts. Forest’s consistent record of finding the net away from home, however, means they could also reach the required total if the game becomes stretched.

Odds may change.

Liverpool: draw, win, draw, defeat, defeat Nottingham Forest: defeat, defeat, win, defeat, defeat