Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live: lineups and Anfield kickoff
Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday 29 August 2026, with the liverpool nottm forest clash kicking off at 12:30pm BST. Andoni Iraola makes two changes from the 2-2 draw at Newcastle, handing Victor Munoz a full debut and starting Alexis Mac Allister in midfield as the Reds target their first Premier League win of the season. Forest arrive after consecutive losses to Leeds and bench new signing Liam Delap, setting up a high-stakes early-season meeting at Anfield.
Key Takeaways
- Kick-off is 12:30pm BST on Saturday 29 August 2026 at Anfield in the Premier League.
- Liverpool change two from Newcastle: Mac Allister and debutant Munoz start; Gravenberch and Ngumoha drop out.
- Forest swap injured Sangaré for Schlager; £50m signing Liam Delap is on the bench.
- Andoni Iraola oversees his first competitive home match; Forest have won their last two league visits to Anfield.
- Referee Sam Barrott and VAR Michael Oliver are appointed; Iraola spoke to TNT Sports before kick-off.
What time does Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest kick off?
The Premier League fixture is scheduled for 12:30pm BST on Saturday 29 August 2026 at Anfield. It is Liverpool's first home league game of the 2026-27 season and Forest's second trip to Merseyside in two campaigns.
According to The Guardian's live coverage, updates began ahead of the lunchtime start. For the latest streaming and broadcast alerts across major fixtures, check our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
What are the confirmed line-ups?
Liverpool make two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Newcastle United on the opening weekend. Alexis Mac Allister replaces Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, while Victor Munoz makes his full debut on the right wing in place of Rio Ngumoha. Cody Gakpo retains his place amid a reported £70m bid from Tottenham.
The confirmed Liverpool line-up, published by the club, is: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak. Subs include Mamardashvili, Endo, Tsimikas, Araujo, Gravenberch, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas and Ngumoha.
Nottingham Forest make one change after their 1-0 opening-day loss to Leeds United. Ibrahim Sangaré is injured and Xaver Schlager comes into midfield. Oliver Glasner's XI: Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus. Liam Delap, signed from Chelsea for £50m according to The Guardian, starts on the bench alongside Hudson-Odoi and Wood.
Why does this Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest fixture matter?
This is Andoni Iraola's first competitive match at Anfield as Liverpool manager. The Reds rescued a point at St James' Park after Dominik Szoboszlai's stoppage-time penalty, while Forest have lost back-to-back home games to Leeds in the league and Carabao Cup.
Recent history adds tension. Nottingham Forest beat Liverpool at Anfield in September 2024 and routed them 3-0 in the return fixture — results that haunted Arne Slot's reign. ESPN reports Liverpool are still pursuing PSG winger Bradley Barcola, with the club finalising a deal this weekend.
Forest could hand Delap his debut after his Chelsea move. Both managers need three points after sluggish starts to the campaign.
Where can you follow Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live?
The Guardian's live blog covers build-up, team news and in-game updates from Anfield. Liverpool's official match centre also carries live build-up from the stadium.
Before kick-off, Iraola told TNT Sports the occasion was emotional and that his substitutes would be important after making an impact against Newcastle. Sam Barrott officiates with Michael Oliver on VAR duty.