Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest

Premier League – Round 2
Venue: Anfield
Referee: Sam Barrott
VAR: Michael Oliver

Picks

1. Bet Builder: Liverpool or Draw & Both Teams to Score @ 2.10

For Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, my preferred bet builder is Liverpool or Draw & Both Teams to Score @ 2.10. On paper, Liverpool are the stronger side, especially at Anfield, but this matchup is more dangerous than a simple home-win price suggests. Liverpool have the better squad and a full week to prepare, while Forest are playing their third match in eight days, but Forest have won their last two league visits to Anfield, so the BTTS part makes strong sense.

Liverpool drew 2-2 away at Newcastle in the opening round, with Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty rescuing a point. That showed character, but it also showed the current balance issue. Iraola’s team carry a lot of attacking quality, but they were vulnerable in transitions. Now they play their first home league match under Iraola at Anfield, and with this squad and this crowd, I expect Liverpool to avoid defeat.

The squad-value picture supports Liverpool. They are around €979.5m, while Nottingham Forest are around €507.8m. That is a clear quality edge, especially in midfield and the final third. But Forest are no longer a bottom-level squad. They have enough physicality, set-piece threat and transition quality to make the BTTS angle realistic.

For Liverpool, the key theme is balance. After Salah, Konaté and Robertson left, the identity is still developing. Iraola has spoken about not wanting to kill the attacking fluidity, but also needing better decisions about when players should stay back. That is central to this bet. Liverpool have enough attacking quality to score at Anfield, but there are still transition gaps that Forest can attack.

Liverpool’s attacking tools are strong. Wirtz between the lines, Isak’s depth movement, Gakpo coming inside and Szoboszlai/Mac Allister offering control can create constant pressure. Frimpong’s aggressive runs from the right also add a major attacking weapon. At the same time, Bradley’s absence hurts defensive stability, while Gomez and Leoni being out reduce defensive depth. Ekitiké and Chiesa being unavailable also reduce attacking rotation, especially with Barcola not registered for this match.

Nottingham Forest started poorly, losing 0-1 to Leeds in the league and then 0-2 to Leeds in the EFL Cup. Still, this is not an empty attacking profile. Glasner usually builds compact, transition-dangerous teams, and Forest have the exact tools to attack Liverpool’s current transitional vulnerability. Gibbs-White is the key question because he is the main creative link, final-pass player and set-piece source.

Forest have several routes to a goal. Ndoye and Igor Jesus can be dangerous in transition, while Wood or Delap can add physical box presence later. From set pieces, Milenkovic, Murillo and Diomande are big, powerful targets. On a wet, fast Anfield surface, one slip, poor touch or second ball can quickly become a chance. This is exactly the type of match where Liverpool can be the better side but still concede.

Tactically, Liverpool should dominate possession, while Forest are likely to defend in a 5-2-2-1 / 3-4-2-1 shape. Liverpool’s movement through Wirtz, Isak and Gakpo should create pressure around Forest’s defensive line, but if they push too many bodies forward, Forest can attack the space left behind. That is why Liverpool or Draw & BTTS is a better fit than a simple home win.

Sam Barrott has a medium card profile, around 3.7 yellow cards per Premier League match. This is not a cards-based pick, but the profile supports a competitive, physical rhythm. Forest will defend a lot, and Sangaré/McAtee’s zone will be difficult against Wirtz and Szoboszlai, so there should be plenty of duels. The main value, though, is still in the match script: Liverpool avoid defeat, but Forest score.

The weather also supports the BTTS part. Liverpool is expected to be around 19°C with a high chance of rain around match time. Anfield’s hybrid pitch has strong drainage, so pitch quality should not be an issue, but a wet, fast surface increases the value of transitions, loose touches, slips and set pieces. That helps Liverpool’s attacking speed, but it also keeps Forest’s direct and physical routes alive.

Note

Our free pick is usually selected for the biggest and most popular match of the day. This does not necessarily mean it is our strongest value bet, as our best opportunities are typically reserved for VIP members. However, every free selection is researched with the same professional approach and analytical standards. We always aim to provide the most optimal betting angle for the day’s headline matchup while delivering high-quality analysis to all readers.