Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Premier League predictions, best bets and odds

This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+

Andoni Iraola’s start to life at Liverpool may not have got off to the perfect start, but there were still positives to be taken from their trip to St James’s Park.

Positive, meanwhile, is not necessarily a word you’d associate with Nottingham Forest, who – in the space of 72 hours – have lost twice to Leeds United in the Premier League and EFL Cup.

This is a tale of two clubs with new managers in the dugout… who will adjust the quickest ahead of this Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST) encounter?

Liverpool v Nottingham Forest tips

Liverpool to Win @ 1/2 (Bet365)

Liverpool First to 5 Corners @ 2/5 (Bet365)

Liverpool Over 4.5 Shots on Target @ 2/5 (Bet365)

Odds courtesy of Bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

Sponsored content

bet365

One of the UK's leading bookmakers. See the latest welcome offers and sign-up details.

Claim your bet365 bonus | bet365 review | Flashscore's betting hub

18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

Fast start

Getting off to a flying start to the new campaign at Anfield has become a Liverpool trademark.

The Reds have won their first home game in 12 of the last 13 seasons, while Forest have only won their opening away date in one of their last eight campaigns.

So the pieces of the puzzle are in place, and the evidence of the weekend’s fixtures is also in our favour.

Liverpool created 2.19 non-penalty xG, had 27 shots at the Newcastle goal (seven on target) and had 36 touches in the Magpies’ penalty area. Iraola’s side were impressive in attack and, but for a lapse for Anthony Elanga’s early goal on the counter-attack, would surely have claimed all three points.

Forest are evidently still getting used to life with new boss Oliver Glasner, and life without midfield powerhouse Elliot Anderson. Their playmaker provided eight goal contributions last term, and his loss looks like it is being felt.

Forest also rarely looked like scoring in 180 minutes of play against Leeds, so their shyness in front of goal – allied to Liverpool’s start under Iraola and their traditional early win at Anfield – means all the data points to the direction of a Reds victory. 

Tip: Liverpool to Win @ 1/2 (Bet365)

Explanation: Our bet lands if Liverpool win the game.

Corner kings

One of the challenges of playing wing-backs is that teams can lack penetration in wide areas high up the pitch.

Forest won three corners in both of their games against Leeds. And that’s a number that could potentially fall further against Liverpool, who we expect to dominate possession and territory.

The Reds won six corners against Newcastle on Sunday, so with an extra week of training under Iraola and the likelihood that they will have plenty of the ball in wide areas against Forest, we’re aiming for a repeat at Anfield.

Tip: Liverpool First to 5 Corners @ 2/5 (Bet365)

Explanation: We need Liverpool to a) win 5+ corners, and b) get to five corners before Forest do.

On Target

Liverpool recorded seven shots on target against Newcastle, while Forest succumbed to five in midweek against Leeds.

So it feels like Liverpool recording five or more on Saturday is a distinct possibility. Even if they score early, the Reds will not sit back and defend their lead – they won’t be allowed to by the Anfield crowd.

We’re expecting a lot of traffic in Forest’s defensive third, which we expect will manifest itself in a torrent of shots raining down on their goal – Liverpool, remember, had 27 shots of all types against Newcastle.

Iraola’s brand of football is attacking, in its own way, so we can hope for more massive shot numbers to be recorded… hopefully, at least five of them will find their way to the target.

Tip: Liverpool Over 4.5 Shots on Target @ 2/5 (Bet365)

Explanation: Our bet will land if Liverpool have five or more shots on target (which includes goals).

Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Match result odds

Liverpool: 1/2 (Bet365)

Draw: 7/2 (Bet365)

Nottingham Forest: 19/4 (Bet365)

These odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.