In the current 2025/26 Premier League season, Liverpool F.C. holds 4th place in the standings with 36 points after 22 matches, while Nottingham Forest sits in 17th place with 22 points. Liverpool’s campaign has seen 10 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, including a shocking 3-0 home defeat to Forest in November 2025 that significantly shifted the title race momentum. Nottingham Forest, led by Sean Dyche, has recorded 6 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses, currently fighting to maintain their distance from the relegation zone. Despite the gap in points, recent head-to-head results favor the “Tricky Trees,” who have secured back-to-back victories at Anfield under Dyche’s tactical setup.
Current Premier League Standings Overview
As of late January 2026, the Premier League table reflects a season of high volatility. Liverpool remains in the “Top Four” hunt, while Nottingham Forest is locked in a battle for survival.
Liverpool F.C. Performance Data
Liverpool has transitioned into a new era under head coach Arne Slot. With 36 points, they are currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by 14 points, making a title challenge difficult but keeping Champions League qualification within reach. Their goal difference stands at +4, reflecting a defense that has struggled at times, particularly in set-piece situations.
Nottingham Forest Performance Data
Nottingham Forest has shown remarkable resilience under Sean Dyche, who replaced Ange Postecoglou mid-season. Sitting in 17th place with 22 points, they are narrowly above the relegation spots. Their season has been defined by defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency, as seen in their historic 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Head-to-Head: Recent Match Impact
The standings between these two storied clubs were most recently influenced by their clash on November 22, 2025. This match serves as a case study in how tactical discipline can overcome a massive gap in resources.
The 3-0 Anfield Shocker
Forest’s victory was the biggest in their club’s history at Anfield. Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White stunned the home crowd. At the time, Liverpool was 8th in the table, and the loss prevented them from closing the gap on the top three, while Forest used the three points to climb out of the bottom three.
Historical Context and Statistics
- Total Meetings: 124
- Liverpool Wins: 60
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 34
- Draws: 30 Liverpool historically dominates this fixture with a nearly 50% win rate, but the modern era has seen Forest become a “bogey team” for the Reds, winning three of their last five Premier League meetings.
Squad Profiles and Key Players
The discrepancy in the standings is often a reflection of squad depth, though recent results suggest that individual brilliance can bridge that gap.
Liverpool’s Star-Studded Lineup
Following a massive £417 million investment in the summer of 2025, Liverpool’s squad is among the most expensive in the world. Key players include:
- Alexander Isak: Signed for £125m, he is expected to lead the line but has faced criticism for “anonymous” performances in big games.
- Florian Wirtz: A £100m creative force in midfield.
- Hugo Ekitike: The club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest’s Tactical Warriors
Forest relies on a core of disciplined players who thrive under Sean Dyche’s “low-block” system.
- Morgan Gibbs-White: The creative engine and a constant threat on the break.
- Murillo: A standout defender who also contributed a goal in the recent Anfield win.
- Matz Sels: The goalkeeper whose heroics have kept Forest in several matches this season.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend the reverse fixture or tracking the standings for betting and fantasy purposes, here is the essential data.
Matchday Logistics
- Upcoming Fixture: Check local listings for the return leg at the City Ground.
- Tickets: Prices typically range from £45 to £95 for standard seats, though hospitality packages can exceed £350.
- Transport: For Anfield, use the 917 express bus from Liverpool City Centre. For the City Ground, it is a short walk from Nottingham Railway Station.
How to Track Standings
- Official Sources: The Premier League official website provides real-time “Live Table” updates.
- Broadcasters: Sky Sports and TNT Sports offer deep-dive analysis of how each goal shifts the projected end-of-season standings.
Tactical Analysis: How Sean Dyche Beat Arne Slot
The 3-0 defeat at Anfield in November 2025 exposed structural vulnerabilities in Arne Slot’s system that Sean Dyche exploited through clinical, direct football.
The “Dyche Block” and Counter-Efficiency
Sean Dyche utilized a rigid 4-5-1 defensive block that frustrated Liverpool’s creative outlets, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Forest allowed Liverpool 70% possession but restricted them to speculative long-range efforts, while Dyche’s “12-word mantra” of defensive simplicity resulted in a clean sheet.
- The Murillo Effect: Forest’s center-half Murillo was the match MVP, scoring the opener from a set-piece and completing 12 clearances to deny Alexander Isak any clear-cut chances.
- Midfield Stranglehold: Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson effectively nullified Alexis Mac Allister, preventing the transition from defense to Liverpool’s high-priced attack.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Struggle
Arne Slot admitted responsibility for the loss, citing “chaos” following offensive substitutions. Attempting to chase the game, Slot moved to an experimental back-three, which left huge spaces for Morgan Gibbs-White to exploit on the counter-attack for the third goal.
Squad Deep Dive: The £400 Million Overhaul
Liverpool’s position in the Top 4 is largely attributed to their aggressive 2025 summer transfer window, though the “Anfield Shocker” raised questions about the team’s chemistry.
Liverpool’s “Hyper-Club” Investment
Fenway Sports Group sanctioned a record spend to replace aging legends.
- Florian Wirtz: The £100m signing from Bayer Leverkusen has 5 assists but struggled under Forest’s physical pressure.
- Alexander Isak: Despite a £125m price tag, Isak has only managed 3 league goals by late January, leading to “next manager” speculation for Slot.
- Milos Kerkez: Voted Player of the Match in the recent draw against Arsenal, Kerkez has replaced Andrew Robertson as the primary left-back.
Nottingham Forest’s Europa Ambitions
Interestingly, despite their low league standing, Forest is currently competing in the UEFA Europa League (qualifying via a 2024/25 domestic trophy win). This has stretched the squad thin, explaining their 17th-place struggle while they prioritize knockout football.
Projected Final Standings: 2025/26
Statistical models from Spreadex and Opta suggest that both teams will likely secure their primary objectives by May 2026.
Liverpool: Top Four or Title?
Predictions suggest Liverpool will finish in 3rd or 4th place with an expected points total between 77 and 79. While the title is likely out of reach due to Arsenal and Man City’s dominance, a return to the Champions League is considered 85% certain.
Nottingham Forest: Survival Odds
Forest is predicted to finish between 13th and 15th as their European campaign concludes and they focus solely on the league. Their “points spread” is forecast at 47-49 points, which would comfortably clear the relegation zone currently occupied by Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland.
FAQs
What was the biggest win in Forest’s history at Anfield?
The 3-0 win on November 22, 2025, is the largest margin of victory Nottingham Forest has ever recorded at Liverpool’s home ground.
Who scored for Forest in the 2025/26 season against Liverpool?
Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White all scored in the 3-0 victory.
Is Arne Slot under pressure at Liverpool?
Following the 3-0 loss and a string of draws in January 2026, rumors have surfaced regarding potential successors, though the board remains publicly supportive.
Did Alexander Isak play against Nottingham Forest?
Yes, Isak started the November match but was substituted after 75 minutes after failing to register a shot on target.
How many clean sheets does Liverpool have this season?
Liverpool has kept 7 clean sheets in 22 matches, primarily through Alisson Becker and the emerging Milos Kerkez.
Where did Forest sign Nicolo Savona from?
Savona joined Forest as part of their 2025 defensive reinforcement strategy to support the aging backline.
Can Forest be relegated this season?
While they are 17th, they are currently 5 points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand as of January 23, 2026.
Who will be Liverpool’s captain in 2026?
Virgil van Dijk remains the club captain, with Andy Robertson serving as vice-captain.
What is the “12-word mantra” Sean Dyche used?
While the exact words vary by report, Dyche’s philosophy focuses on: “Minimum requirement is maximum effort; stay compact, hit them on the break.”
When is the next Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest match?
The reverse fixture at the City Ground is scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Where does Liverpool sit in the Premier League table?
As of January 2026, Liverpool is in 4th place with 36 points from 22 games.
How many points does Nottingham Forest have?
Nottingham Forest has 22 points, placing them 17th in the Premier League standings.
Who won the last match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest won 3-0 at Anfield on November 22, 2025.
Who is the current manager of Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche took over as manager in October 2025.
Who is Liverpool’s top scorer in the 2025/26 season?
Hugo Ekitike is the leading scorer for the Reds with 8 league goals and 12 in all competitions.
How many times has Forest beaten Liverpool in the Premier League?
In the modern Premier League era (since 1992), Forest has beaten Liverpool six times.
Is Liverpool still in the title race?
Mathematically yes, but they are 14 points behind leaders Arsenal as of late January 2026.
What was the score of the Forest vs Liverpool game in January 2025? That match ended in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
Who scored for Forest in their 3-0 win over Liverpool?
The goals were scored by Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
What is Liverpool’s current goal difference?
Liverpool has a goal difference of +4 (33 goals scored, 29 conceded).
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