The Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest rivalry is a historic fixture in English football, with Liverpool holding the overall advantage with 60 wins, 33 draws, and 33 losses in 126 meetings. In recent seasons, the clash has seen a surprising shift, with Nottingham Forest securing a shock 3-0 victory at Anfield in November 2025 and a 1-0 win in September 2024. As of 2026, the two sides are preparing for their next Premier League encounter scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the City Ground, a match that carries significant implications for both Liverpool’s title aspirations under Arne Slot and Forest’s mid-table stability under Sean Dyche.
This comprehensive guide delves into the statistical breakdown of this fixture, the deep-rooted historical significance of their 1970s and 80s battles, and practical information for fans attending the 2026 matches. You will find everything from recent scorelines and player milestones to ticket prices and stadium travel guides.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
The historical record between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest spans over a century, beginning with their first meeting in 1894. Liverpool leads the all-time series with 60 wins, while Forest has claimed 33 victories, alongside 33 draws.
Despite Liverpool’s historical dominance, the fixture has become incredibly competitive since Forest’s return to the Premier League in 2022. The recent results have favored the underdog, with Forest ending a 55-year winless streak at Anfield in 2024 and repeating the feat with a dominant 3-0 win in late 2025.
Recent Match Results (2024-2026)
The 2025/26 season has provided one of the most shocking results in recent memory: a 3-0 win for Nottingham Forest at Anfield on November 22, 2025. This result followed a 1-0 win for Forest at the same venue in September 2024, marking a rare period where the “Tricky Trees” have dominated the Merseyside giants.
Earlier encounters in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons saw a more balanced exchange, including a tense 1-1 draw at the City Ground in January 2025. The upcoming return leg on February 21, 2026, is one of the most anticipated matches of the second half of the season.
The Clough vs Paisley Era
The rivalry reached its peak in the late 1970s when Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest challenged Bob Paisley’s dominant Liverpool for domestic and European supremacy. During this era, Forest famously ended Liverpool’s 42-match unbeaten run in 1978, a record that stood for decades.
This period was characterized by tactical brilliance and psychological warfare between the two iconic managers. While Liverpool remained the “Kings of Europe” for much of the decade, Forest’s back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 remains one of the greatest achievements in football history.
Anfield: The Home of Liverpool
Anfield remains one of the most intimidating stadiums in world football, though Nottingham Forest has recently found the key to unlocking its defenses. With the newly expanded Anfield Road Stand, the stadium now boasts a capacity of over 61,000, creating a wall of sound for every home fixture.
For visitors, the “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem remains a bucket-list experience. However, the recent 3-0 and 1-0 losses to Forest have proven that the atmosphere alone is no longer enough to guarantee a victory for the Reds.
The City Ground Experience
Located on the banks of the River Trent, the City Ground is one of the most scenic and atmospheric stadiums in the Premier League. Its proximity to the river provides a unique pre-match setting for fans walking from the Nottingham city center.
Forest fans are known for their passionate support, often using the “Mull of Kintyre” anthem to galvanize the team. The stadium is currently undergoing phased redevelopment plans to increase capacity and modernize facilities for its growing Premier League audience.
Key Players: Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah continues to be the primary threat for Liverpool, having scored multiple goals in previous encounters against Forest. His ability to cut inside from the right wing remains the centerpiece of Liverpool’s attacking strategy under manager Arne Slot.
In defense, Virgil van Dijk provides the leadership and aerial presence necessary to combat Forest’s physical strikers. However, the recent defensive lapses in the 3-0 defeat have placed increased scrutiny on the partnership between Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Key Players: Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi, a former Liverpool youth player, has frequently come back to haunt his old club, using his immense physical strength to disrupt the Liverpool backline. His hold-up play is vital for Forest’s counter-attacking system.
Morgan Gibbs-White acts as the creative heartbeat of the team, providing the vision and passing range to exploit spaces left by Liverpool’s high defensive line. His performances in the 2025/26 season have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the league.
Tactical Analysis: Slot vs Dyche
The 2026 tactical battle sees Liverpool’s Arne Slot employing a high-intensity, possession-based 4-3-3 system designed to suffocate opponents. This style relies on quick ball recovery and overlapping full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold to create numerical advantages.
In contrast, Sean Dyche has instilled a disciplined, “low-block” defensive structure at Nottingham Forest that excels at absorbing pressure. The 3-0 win at Anfield was a masterclass in clinical finishing on the break, a hallmark of Dyche’s tactical philosophy.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning to attend the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest match on February 21, 2026, or future fixtures, consider these essential details:
- Match Date: February 21, 2026 (Subject to change for TV scheduling).
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM GMT.
- Ticket Prices: Official ticket prices range from £35 to £60 for standard seating, though secondary markets often see prices exceed £150.
- How to get there (Liverpool): Take the train to Liverpool Lime Street; from there, the 917 bus runs directly to Anfield.
- How to get there (Nottingham): The City Ground is a 15-minute walk from Nottingham Railway Station.
- What to expect: Strict security checks are in place at both stadiums; arrive at least 60-90 minutes before kick-off.
- Tips for visitors: Book hotels in Nottingham city center early, as matchdays often lead to high occupancy and price surges.
Seasonal and Timely Context
The February 2026 fixture comes at a critical time in the Premier League calendar. Liverpool will likely be balancing domestic league duties with the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, while Nottingham Forest may be navigating the latter rounds of the FA Cup.
The weather in Nottingham in late February is typically cold and damp, often influencing the pitch conditions at the City Ground. Fans are advised to dress warmly, as the stadium’s location near the river can lead to significant wind chill.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest match?
The next scheduled Premier League meeting is on February 21, 2026, at the City Ground in Nottingham.
What was the score in the last Liverpool vs Forest game?
The last meeting on November 22, 2025, ended in a 3-0 victory for Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Who has won more head-to-head matches?
Liverpool leads the all-time head-to-head record with 60 wins, compared to 33 wins for Nottingham Forest.
Can I buy tickets for Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest without a membership?
Official tickets usually require a club membership. However, some hospitality packages and verified secondary platforms offer tickets to the general public.
How much are tickets for the 2026 match at the City Ground?
Standard tickets are generally priced between £35 and £55, but availability is extremely limited due to high demand.
What is the capacity of the City Ground?
The City Ground currently holds approximately 30,445 spectators, with plans for future expansion.
Who is the leading scorer in this fixture?
Historically, Liverpool legends like Ian Rush have high tallies, while in the modern era, Mohamed Salah is the top active scorer.
Has Nottingham Forest ever won a European Cup?
Yes, Nottingham Forest won the European Cup (now the Champions League) back-to-back in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough.
Is it easy to park near Anfield?
Parking at Anfield is very limited and mostly restricted to residents. Fans are strongly encouraged to use public transport or “Park and Ride” services.
Which channel broadcasts Liverpool vs Nottm Forest?
In the UK, matches are typically broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports, while international fans can watch via NBC/Peacock (USA) or Optus Sport (Australia).
Final Thoughts
As we look toward the 2026/27 season and beyond, the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest rivalry is entering a new golden era of competitive parity. While the 1970s was defined by the tactical duel between Clough and Paisley, the modern era is characterized by Forest’s remarkable tactical resilience against Liverpool’s high-possession systems. Forest’s ability to consistently upset the “Big Six” has transformed this fixture from a predictable mismatch into a highlight of the Premier League calendar.
The next milestone for this rivalry will be the February 21, 2026, clash at the City Ground. For Liverpool, the goal is to reclaim their dominance and avenge the stinging 3-0 home defeat from late 2025. For Forest, a victory would solidify their reputation as a “giant killer” and provide essential momentum for their European ambitions under Sean Dyche. As stadium redevelopments at both Anfield and the City Ground continue, the physical atmosphere of this historic “North vs Midlands” battle will only intensify.
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