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The Reds head to the City Ground on Sunday for a 2pm GMT kick off against Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a fascinating Premier League encounter. There is fresh team news on both sides, key injury updates, and a new manager in the Forest dugout looking to make a statement.
With the title race heating up and momentum building after a strong home win, this is not just another away game for the Reds. It is a test of depth, resilience and consistency.
Liverpool Team News: Frimpong Close, Gomez Ready, Endo Out Long Term
One of the main headlines going into this fixture is the absence of Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch full back will not be available for Sunday’s match, although his return is getting closer. Frimpong has been out since the Champions League clash against Qarabag at Anfield last month due to a muscle issue. The injury has kept him sidelined during a busy stretch, but there is optimism around his recovery.
Speaking in his pre match press conference, Arne Slot confirmed:
“Jeremie will not be involved this weekend yet. We hope he will be involved next week against West Ham United if things go as planned.”
That update will reassure supporters who are eager to see Frimpong back in action. His pace and attacking threat from wide areas have been a major asset this season. There is better news regarding Joe Gomez. The defender has returned from injury and has already made substitute appearances against Sunderland and Brighton. According to Slot, he is now ready to start if needed.
That is a significant boost for Liverpool’s back line. Gomez offers flexibility across the defence and brings experience in high pressure away fixtures like this one. However, there is a major setback concerning Wataru Endo. The midfielder was stretchered off during the victory at the Stadium of Light last week and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Slot addressed the situation clearly:
“No, Wata will be out for a long time, as I said earlier. We don’t know exactly how long but long.”
Losing Endo is a blow, particularly given his work rate and defensive discipline in midfield. Liverpool will now need others to step up in that role during a demanding period of the campaign. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni remain long term absentees and are not in contention for Sunday’s match.
Momentum Building After Brighton Victory
Liverpool come into this game off the back of a confident 3-0 win over Brighton at Anfield on February 14.
The starting lineup that day featured Alisson in goal, with Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez across the back. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister pulled the strings, while Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa formed a dynamic attacking unit.
It was a performance full of energy, control and quality in the final third. That is the standard Slot will want to see replicated away at the City Ground. Away matches in the Premier League are rarely straightforward, and Forest will be fired up under new management. Liverpool will need to be sharp from the first whistle.
Nottingham Forest: A New Era Under Vitor Pereira
Nottingham Forest approach this game with fresh energy following the appointment of Vitor Pereira as their fourth manager of the 2025 to 26 campaign. The Portuguese coach was appointed last Sunday and has already made an impact. In his first game in charge, Forest secured an impressive 3-0 victory away at Fenerbahce in the Europa League knockout play offs on February 19. It was a result that caught attention across Europe.
After the match, Pereira was quick to deflect praise:
“It was a win by the players, the quality of the players and the support of the fans. It was not a manager win because I was only three days with them. “I just asked them to express the quality and the talent that they have on the pitch, with a bit of organisation.”
That humility will resonate with supporters, but there is no doubt that a new manager bounce could make Forest dangerous on Sunday.
Forest Injury Concerns Ahead of Liverpool Clash
Despite their strong European result, Forest are dealing with several injury problems. Their current injury list includes Willy Boly, Nicolo Savona, Matz Sels, John Victor and Chris Wood. Losing key players in defence and attack limits Pereira’s options, especially with such a short turnaround between fixtures. The win in Turkey came less than 72 hours before this Premier League showdown. Fatigue could play a role.
Pereira acknowledged the challenge:
“We need to rest, because it is a very short time. “But I believe with the energy of the supporters I think we can play consistently and fight for the three points. “Tactically, some corrections because we can improve and be consistent. “I don’t want my team to play one way and then another. I want us to play Liverpool with the same tactical intention that we played Fenerbahce.”
That suggests Forest will not sit back. They will try to impose themselves and maintain the same structure and intensity shown in Europe.
Forest’s Last Lineup: Confidence and Attacking Intent
In the 3-0 win over Fenerbahce, Forest lined up with Ortega in goal, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo and Williams in defence. Anderson and Sangare anchored the midfield, with Hutchinson, Gibbs White and Hudson Odoi supporting Jesus in attack.
It was a bold and energetic display, with players like Gibbs White and Hudson Odoi offering creativity and pace in advanced areas. Liverpool’s defence, led by Van Dijk and Konate, will need to stay alert, particularly in transition moments.
Key Battles to Watch
This Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool clash could be decided by a few critical matchups. First, midfield control will be vital. With Endo unavailable, Liverpool must ensure they do not lose balance in the centre of the park. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will carry significant responsibility both defensively and creatively.
Second, the wide areas could shape the game. Salah’s form remains crucial for Liverpool’s attacking threat, while Forest’s full backs will need to cope with constant pressure.
Finally, mentality will matter. Forest are riding the wave of a new manager and a big European win. Liverpool, meanwhile, are chasing consistency and points at the top end of the Premier League table. Whoever handles the emotional side of the game better could come out on top.
What This Means for the Premier League Race
Every away fixture at this stage of the season carries weight. Dropped points can quickly shift the dynamics of the title race or the battle for European places.
For Liverpool, three points at the City Ground would reinforce their credentials as serious contenders. It would also show that they can manage injuries and squad rotation without losing momentum. For Nottingham Forest, a positive result against one of the league’s strongest sides would be a statement under Vitor Pereira. It would also give fans renewed belief after a turbulent season with multiple managerial changes.
Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool is more than just a Sunday afternoon fixture. It is a clash of ambition, resilience and fresh ideas. Liverpool arrive with confidence after a strong home win but must cope without Jeremie Frimpong and Wataru Endo. The return of Joe Gomez offers encouragement, yet squad depth will be tested once again.
Forest, under new leadership, have already shown they can rise to the occasion. With injuries of their own and limited recovery time, they face a tough challenge. Still, the energy of the City Ground and the momentum from their European success could make this a difficult afternoon for the visitors. All signs point to an intense, competitive Premier League battle. Now it comes down to execution on the pitch. Sunday cannot come soon enough.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com