Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 January 2025 - bettingexpert
As the Premier League action heats up, Nottingham Forest hosts Liverpool at the City Ground in a vital clash on 14th January 2025. Kick-off is set for 20:00, with both sides aiming to cement their positions at the top of the table.
Liverpool, under new coach Arne Slot, sits comfortably at the top with 46 points. However, Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, is only six points behind in third place, eyeing a historic Champions League qualification.
Nottingham Forest enters this match on a six-game winning streak, including an impressive 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season. Their rock-solid defense has kept four consecutive clean sheets and will be crucial as they face the high-scoring Liverpool side.
Liverpool remains the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.71 for a win, but Forest’s current exceptional form and strong home advantage make them a formidable opponent. It’s recommended to bet on Nottingham Forest to win the first half, given their robust start in recent matches.
With key players like Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White in excellent form for Forest, and Liverpool possibly rotating their squad due to upcoming cup fixtures, fans can expect a thrilling, tightly contested encounter.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting tip
Our recommended betting tip for this clash is to back Nottingham Forest to win the first half. Given Forest’s robust form, especially at home, this bet appears quite promising.
| Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Nottingham Forest to win the first half | 5.00 |
Reasons for this prediction:
- Nottingham Forest have won their last six matches, showcasing excellent form and consistency.
- Forest’s defense has been rock-solid, with four clean sheets in their last five games.
- Historically, Forest managed to beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season, boosting their confidence for this fixture.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Odds
Looking at the odds for this Premier League clash, Liverpool come in as the clear favourites, reflecting their strong standing at the top of the table and boasting talented players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Nottingham Forest, despite being the underdogs, have shown remarkable form this season, currently sitting third. This intriguing dynamic sets the stage for an exciting encounter.
Here’s a quick look at the betting odds for this match:
| Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Nottingham Forest | 4.47 |
| Draw | 3.95 |
| Liverpool | 1.71 |
With Forest’s impressive home record and Liverpool’s somewhat shaky recent form, there’s plenty of potential for surprises.
Nottingham Forest Team Analysis
Nottingham Forest Recent Performance
Nottingham Forest has been in stellar form, achieving a six-game winning streak that underscores their ambitions for a Champions League spot. With their formidable defense, they’ve kept four consecutive clean sheets and have shown offensive prowess by averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five outings.
Here’s a look at their recent matches:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton | Nottingham Forest | 0-3 (Win) |
| Everton | Nottingham Forest | 0-2 (Win) |
| Nottingham Forest | Tottenham Hotspur | 1-0 (Win) |
| Brentford | Nottingham Forest | 0-2 (Win) |
| Nottingham Forest | Aston Villa | 2-1 (Win) |
Nottingham Forest’s solid run, with this combination of strong defense and a consistent goal-scoring average, makes them a significant contender against Liverpool. The home advantage and the presence of key players like Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White boost their chances further.
Nottingham Forest Key Players
Key players for Nottingham Forest in this clash will include Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White. Wood, the team’s top scorer with 12 goals, will be pivotal in the attacking phase, especially against a Liverpool defense known for its vulnerabilities outside Anfield. Gibbs-White’s creativity and midfield dominance will be crucial in sustaining Forest’s offensive momentum.
Expect an important defensive stand from Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, who will face tough battles against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. The duo must remain resolute to maintain their clean sheet record.
Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest:
- Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
- Defenders: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga
- Forward: Chris Wood
Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries
Nottingham Forest enters the match against Liverpool with a few key injury concerns that could impact their game plan.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Danilo | Broken ankle | Doubtful |
| Ibrahim Sangare | Hamstring injury | Late January 2025 |
| Murillo | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| While there are no suspensions to report, the absence of critical players like Danilo and Sangare in the midfield, along with the potential loss of Murillo in defense, could challenge Nottingham Forest’s depth. |
These injuries might force Nuno Espirito Santo to adjust his squad, perhaps leveraging players like Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic to step up and fill these gaps.
Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation
Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Chris Wood
Defensive Setup:
- The backline includes Ola Aina and Neco Williams as full-backs, and Nikola Milenkovic partnered with Murillo in the center. They’ve kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing strong defensive organization.
Midfield Dynamic:
- With Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson operating as deep-lying midfielders, Forest aims to control the tempo and provide solid defensive cover.
Attacking Trio:
- Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi form the attacking midfield trio, combining pace and creativity to unlock opposition defenses.
Game Management:
- Coach Nuno Espirito Santo prioritizes a balanced approach, leveraging quick transitions and solid shape. With Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood in fine form, expect Forest to be dangerous on the counter-attack.
Forest’s tactical flexibility and cohesive play will be vital against Liverpool’s potent attack.
Liverpool Team Analysis
Liverpool Recent Performance
Liverpool’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, showcasing their attacking prowess while also confronting some defensive fragilities. Over their last five matches, they’ve registered three wins, one draw, and one loss.
The Reds have averaged 3.2 goals per game during this stretch, a testament to their strong offensive capabilities spearheaded by Mohamed Salah. However, with just one clean sheet, their defensive stability has been a concern.
Their recent performances:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | Liverpool | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Liverpool | Manchester United | 2-2 (Draw) |
| West Ham United | Liverpool | 0-5 (Win) |
| Liverpool | Leicester City | 3-1 (Win) |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Liverpool | 3-6 (Win) |
With key players like Salah in top form, Liverpool remains a formidable side, despite their defensive leaks.
Liverpool Key Players
Liverpool boasts a roster filled with talent and crucial players who can make a difference in the upcoming match.
Key Players to Watch:
- Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s top scorer with 18 goals. His pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat.
- Virgil van Dijk: The defensive rock, vital for keeping Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood at bay.
- Alexis Mac Allister: Integral in midfield, balancing offensive and defensive duties.
- Alisson Becker: Renowned for his shot-stopping abilities, crucial against Forest’s in-form attack.
Expected lineup for Liverpool:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones
- Attackers: Salah, Díaz, Gakpo
Key individual battles to look out for include Salah vs Aina and van Dijk vs Wood.
Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries
Liverpool faces significant challenges due to suspensions and injuries, which could impact their performance against Nottingham Forest. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Matip | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Joe Gomez | Hamstring injury | Early February 2025 |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | Illness | Doubtful |
| Tyler Morton | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Ibrahima Konaté | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Conor Bradley | Hamstring injury | Doubtful |
Suspensions
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Darwin Núñez | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
These absences, particularly in defence, could leave Liverpool vulnerable, especially against a high-flying Nottingham Forest side.
Liverpool Tactics and Formation
Liverpool’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Luis Díaz
- Midfield Duo: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch
- Defensive Anchors: Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté (likely replacing Conor Bradley, who’s doubtful)
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions, especially effective in exploiting wide areas through Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool tends to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. Their full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, push forward to provide width, while the midfield duo maintains control and distributes the ball effectively.
Despite recent defensive injuries, Liverpool’s formation remains consistent, aiming for aggressive play to outscore their opponents.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Statistics
The recent encounters between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool have been closely contested, showcasing both sides’ competitive edge.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Nottingham Forest | 0-1 |
| Nottingham Forest | Liverpool | 0-1 |
| Liverpool | Nottingham Forest | 3-0 |
| Liverpool | Nottingham Forest | 3-2 |
| Nottingham Forest | Liverpool | 1-0 |
Nottingham Forest has shown they can challenge Liverpool, especially with their memorable victory at Anfield earlier this season. Liverpool, however, has had the upper hand in previous fixtures, making this matchup highly anticipated.
Odds are accurate as of 10.01.2025 16:05, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
