Liverpool takes on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with the pundits in agreement on their predictions as the Reds look to boost their Champions League hopes
James Findlater Content Editor
08:51, 22 Feb 2026
Presenter Peter Crouch wears the Premier League 'With pride' pin badge during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Brentford, England
Peter Crouch has made his prediction for Liverpool's game against Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)
Peter Crouch has joined Alan Shearer and Paul Merson in predicting what would be a vital win for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Reds head to the City Ground as they return to Premier League action after booking their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup last weekend. Arne Slot is aiming to claim his first win over Forest at the fourth attempt, with Vitor Pereira taking charge of his first league game for the hosts.
Liverpool will be hoping to make the most of another slip-up for Chelsea on Saturday, with the Blues having thrown away a 1-0 lead at home to Burnley to only claim a point, and leave the door open for the Reds to move level on points with them.
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And the good news ahead of the game is that the pundits are all expecting Liverpool to take full advantage, with former Reds striker Crouch backing his old side to win today.
“Things are looking brighter for Liverpool and [Mohamed] Salah amongst the goals again. So, I can’t see anything other than the Liverpool win if I’m honest,” he said as he predicted a 3-1 win for the Reds on his podcast.
Former Newcastle and England striker Shearer agrees, having predicted a Liverpool win for Betfair.
“Nottingham Forest have a change of manager and it was a huge decision which sort of came out of the blue,” Shearer said. “But I think Liverpool look as if they've got some sort of normality back, so I'll go for an away win.
Alan Shearer during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC at St James' Park on April 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Alan Shearer is expecting a Liverpool win against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
“I think it'll be between Nottingham Forest and West Ham for who does take that third relegation place. I don't see Forest getting anything this weekend. I think they'll make it tough but not have enough on the day.
“I think, as Arsenal found it tough, City found it tough there as well, and Liverpool will as well because I think Vitor Pereira will get a great reception and the City Ground will be rocking. However, I think the form that Liverpool are in, they'll just have too much.”
And Merson makes it a full set, with the former Arsenal star having predicted a 2-0 win for Liverpool.
“I think Forest have a good chance of staying up because they have decent fixtures coming up. But they must look to get a result against Liverpool this weekend to set the tone for it,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
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“Liverpool destroyed Sunderland last time out. I haven't seen any other team do that to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this season. Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah starting to look like their old selves has helped Liverpool.
“You don't play for Liverpool if you're not a good defender, so Konate must have the trust of everyone at the club. Otherwise, Liverpool would have gone all in for [Marc] Guehi.
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“The Liverpool line-up also looks quite settled now. Few weeks ago, we had no idea who would be in the starting XI. But now, at least nine players are nailed on and that has made a difference to them. I expect a comfortable win.”