Full Breakdown
Liverpool Seek First Premier League Win Under New Coach at Anfield
8/30/2026, 8:32:03 PM
Match Overview
Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on August 29 in the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season. Both clubs enter the fixture after a difficult start: Liverpool drew 2-2 away at Newcastle in Andoni Iraola’s first competitive match, while Forest have lost their first two league games under Oliver Glasner, both to Leeds United. The result will determine which side secures its first win of the campaign.
Recent Form and Managerial Changes
Iraola arrived after a spell with Bournemouth, where he recorded three wins and three draws against Forest. His tenure began with a dramatic 99th-minute equaliser at Newcastle, but fans still seek greater defensive solidity.
Glasner took charge of Forest earlier this season, inheriting a squad that endured a nine-month relegation battle last campaign. He described the recruitment situation as “ignored reality” after defeats to Leeds and noted that the £45 million signing of Liam Delap offers a boost but not an instant fix.
Squad Availability and Transfer Activity
Liverpool are missing forward Hugo Ekitiké (Achilles), right-back Conor Bradley (knee), centre-back Giovanni Leoni (knee) and defender Joe Gomez (muscle). Alexander Isak is expected to start at centre-forward, Florian Wirtz in the number 10 role and Cody Gakpo on the left wing. Victor Muñoz, who impressed off the bench against Newcastle, is a candidate for the right-wing spot.
Reports indicate Liverpool are close to signing French forward Bradley Barcola from PSG, with additional interest in Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr as potential replacements for Mohamed Salah.
Forest will be without defender Nicolo Savona (knee) and midfielder Ryan Yates (knock). Morgan Gibbs-White and full-back Neco Williams have been cleared after recent injuries.
Head-to-Head Record and Forecast
The clubs have met 124 times in league competition: Liverpool 61 wins, Forest 33, and 30 draws. Recent meetings include a 1-0 Liverpool win on February 22, 2026 and a 3-0 Forest victory on November 22, 2025.
An Opta model gives Liverpool a 61.1 % chance of winning, Forest 18.2 %, and a 20.7 % chance of a draw.
Official Statements
Iraola acknowledged the challenge of delivering European-level results within six weeks of his appointment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media differ on Barcola’s arrival: some say the deal is “closing in,” others call it “still in negotiation.” No official confirmation has been released, leaving timing uncertain. The Opta model does not factor the listed injuries, creating a gap in predictive certainty.
What’s Next
After Anfield, Liverpool face promoted Charlton Athletic, while Forest travel to their second-week opponent. Both clubs will look to build momentum as the season unfolds.
