Mansion Sports – Liverpool enter their November 2025 fixture against Nottingham Forest amid growing external belief that they have quietly conceded the Premier League title race. 

Even so, they must remain fully focused as they prepare to host an increasingly confident Forest side that has shown marked improvement in recent weeks.

The match is scheduled to take place at Anfield on Saturday, 22 November 2025 at 15:00 local time.

Arne Slot’s squad return to action following a pre-international-break defeat, while Sean Dyche’s Forest aim to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches during their visit to Merseyside.

Before the encounter begins, here is Mansion Sports’ projection for the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest lineups for November 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Liverpool

Liverpool have understandable frustration after Virgil van Dijk’s goal was controversially disallowed during their outing against Manchester City at the Etihad. 

Nonetheless, no supporter can overlook the fact that the 3–0 defeat stemmed largely from City’s overwhelming dominance throughout the match.

The discipline and determination displayed in prior fixtures against Aston Villa and Real Madrid did little to halt City’s momentum. 

Jeremy Doku delivered a standout performance, repeatedly dismantling Liverpool’s defensive structure before sealing the match with a superb curling strike, adding to earlier goals from Erling Haaland and Nico González.

Although City benefitted from deflections for the first two goals, their overall quality left Liverpool with little room for complaint. 

The defeat also ended Liverpool’s run of 44 consecutive Premier League matches in which they had scored.

The gap between Liverpool and league-leaders Arsenal has now widened to eight points. Mathematically, their position is now as close to the relegation zone as it is to the top, prompting many analysts to conclude that the title is unlikely to remain on Merseyside this season.

Even so, Liverpool’s home form offers a degree of optimism. At Anfield, Slot has guided the team to four wins from five league matches this season, and it has been over a year since the Reds failed to score at home in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest

Liverpool supporters will remember that Nottingham Forest were the last team to prevent them from scoring at Anfield, a feat achieved in September 2024.

This visit presents Forest with another opportunity, as they could record consecutive league victories at Anfield for the first time since 1963.

While Forest sit 11 places and nine points below Liverpool, signs of resurgence are evident. Dyche’s side are unbeaten in their last three matches and have suffered only one defeat across their past five in all competitions.

Their 3–1 win over Leeds United in matchweek 11 marked their second league victory of the season, with goals from Ibrahim Sangaré, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Elliot Anderson bringing Forest to within a single point of safety.

Despite Dyche’s reputation for defensive football, Forest have posted improved averages of 13 shots and 1.6 Expected Goals per match compared with the periods under Ange Postecoglou and Nuno Espírito Santo. Whether this improvement proves sustainable remains to be seen.

Last season, Forest managed to collect four points from their two meetings with Liverpool. Avoiding defeat at Anfield this time would give them a three-match unbeaten league run against Liverpool, something last achieved in 1993.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Lineups for November 2025

Below are the projected lineups for Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, including formations and head coaches.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Liverpool finally receive positive news with Alisson Becker expected to return after recovering from a hamstring injury. With his comeback, only Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) remain sidelined, though Frimpong is anticipated to return in early December.

Alexander Isak, previously doubtful due to fitness issues, is also cleared to play. The £125 million forward started on the bench against Manchester City but is predicted to replace Hugo Ekitike in this match. Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is set to make his 300th Premier League appearance.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Forest will assess the conditions of Chris Wood (knee), Oleksandr Zinchenko (hip), Dilane Bakwa (undisclosed), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), while Ola Aina, Douglas Luiz, and Angus Gunn are confirmed absentees.

Wood’s potential absence would be a significant blow given his suitability for exploiting Liverpool’s vulnerability in aerial duels. Nevertheless, Dyche has alternatives, including Igor Jesus, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Morgan Gibbs-White enters the match in excellent form and is on the brink of scoring in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time in his career.

Conclusion

The meeting between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest represents more than a routine Premier League fixture; it is a pivotal moment for both teams as they seek to stabilise their positions in the table. 

Whether Liverpool can reassert their strength at Anfield or Forest manage to extend their positive momentum will soon be revealed, and the coming contest promises high intensity and intrigue.