Nottingham Forest chase another giant killing as they host Liverpool in the Quarter-Finals of 2021-22 FA Cup at City Ground.
Victory would see Forest qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since finishing runners-up in 1990-91 FA Cup.
Liverpool meanwhile are looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 2014-15 season, which would also see them extend their longest FA Cup run under Jurgen Klopp’s reign as manager.
Team News
Scott McKenna is ruled out for Forest after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s Championship win over QPR.
Max Lowe (groin), Steve Cook and Lewis Grabban (both ankle) remain ruled out
Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold after he suffered a hamstring injury which will also keep him out of England’s friendlies during the international window.
James Milner, Konstantinos Tsimikas (both illness) and Mohamed Salah (foot) face late fitness tests.
Stat Attack
- Nottingham Forest have won just one of nine previous FA Cup meetings against Liverpool across seven ties (W1, D2, L6).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in three away FA Cup ties against Forest (W2, D1).
- This is the first FA Cup meeting between Forest and Liverpool held this century, with Liverpool having won their last FA Cup clash 3-1 in May 1989.
- Five of Forest’s seven FA Cup goals this season were scored before half-time.
- Three of Liverpool’s five goals in the last two rounds of this season’s FA Cup were scored by Takumi Minamino, whilst Harvey Elliot and Diogo Jota scored the other two goals.
Prediction
Although Forest’s immediate priority is chasing a place in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs, they have no reasons to not fear Liverpool if they continue to play their pressing attack-minded football which has turned them into a difficult team to beat this season.
Steve Cooper’s Forest will also be buoyed by their comeback spirit to beat QPR from behind on Wednesday evening just like they beat Huddersfield in the Fifth Round, which will further solidify confidence that they can give Liverpool a proper fight even if they concede first.
Liverpool though produced a clinical performance to defeat Arsenal in midweek despite having to scrap their way to the win in an evenly-balanced contest, so will be aware of what they could expect against Forest here even without Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank to cause issues.
On that note, I am anticipating a cracking contest because the home crowd at the City Ground will certainly be adding a carnival atmosphere as the 12th man, which could be crucial the longer it stays goalless but if Forest score first then Liverpool need a quick reaction to calm the crowds.
I though have a feeling that Liverpool will ease to a comfortable win if they get on the front foot quickly and score early, otherwise this could be tight but it is hard to not see Jurgen Klopp’s Reds winning this match.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Liverpool
Result: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool