This high-stakes clash is expected to bring intensity and physicality, making the prospect of cards highly likely. Nottingham Forest games this season have averaged an astonishing 5.57 yellow cards per match, with Forest contributing 2.57 of that total.

At the City Ground, 4+ cards have been issued in all but 2 matches this season, with 3 of their last 4 matches surpassing this threshold. Liverpool display a similar trend in league action, with their games averaging 5.22 yellow cards per match. Remarkably, all but 4 of Liverpool’s league fixtures this season have seen at least 4 cards, with 3 of those missing this line by just 1 card.

In their earlier meeting this season, both teams received 4 yellow cards each, and their last 3 head-to-head encounters have all featured at least 4 bookings. Adding to the likelihood is referee Chris Kavanagh, who averages 5.32 cards per game this season, with 9 of his 11 Premier League matches seeing 4+ cards. This fiery contest is poised to follow suit.

Chris Wood has been Nottingham Forest’s go-to forward this season, netting 12 goals this season. Against Liverpool’s formidable defence, Forest’s attacking opportunities may be limited, but Wood remains their primary outlet for creating chances.

Averaging 1.71 shots per game, the striker has been highly consistent in hitting the target, managing at least 1 shot on goal in 6 of his last 8 starts, including the earlier meeting against Liverpool. Wood’s ability to make the most of scarce opportunities makes this selection a strong pick.

Alexis Mac Allister’s aggressive yet pivotal role in midfield often sees him tread a fine line in discipline. Averaging 1.41 fouls per game, he has committed 2 or more fouls in 4 of his last 5 starts, including 2 matches where he exceeded 3 fouls.

His physical approach against Nottingham Forest is well-documented, having committed at least 2 fouls in all 3 of his appearances against them. In this combative fixture, expect Mac Allister to continue his trend of defensive tenacity.

Nottingham Forest’s vice-captain Ryan Yates embodies the combative spirit of his team’s midfield. Averaging 1.8 fouls per game this season, Yates has committed at least 1 foul in his last 9 starts, with 5 of those matches seeing him commit multiple infringements.

Against Liverpool, Yates has maintained this trend, he’s recorded 4 or more fouls in 3 of his last 4 matches against the Reds. Tasked with containing Liverpool’s dynamic midfield, Yates is highly likely to find himself on the wrong side of the referee a couple of times once more.

As an influential attacking presence, Morgan Gibbs-White brings energy and aggression to the Forest frontline. Averaging 1.5 fouls per game, he has committed at least 1 foul in his last 5 matches and in 3 of his last 4 encounters against Liverpool.

Given the intensity of this clash and Liverpool’s ability to draw fouls through their intricate play, Gibbs-White is expected to contribute to Forest’s foul count once again.

Alexis Mac Allister’s technical ability and movement make him a constant nuisance for opposition defenders. While he averages just 1 foul drawn per game, he has drawn 2 or more fouls in 2 of his last 4 matches. Notably, against Nottingham Forest, Mac Allister has been consistently targeted, drawing at least 2 fouls in all 3 of his previous meetings with them.

Against a midfield combination of Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates and Nicolás Domínguez, who have committed 8 combined fouls across Forest’s last 3 league games, expect his influence to attract further challenges in this encounter.

Nicolás Domínguez’s aggressive midfield style makes him a prime candidate for disciplinary action. Although averaging just 1.1 fouls per game, the nature of his challenges has seen him accumulate 7 yellow cards this season, the most in the Forest squad.

Facing Liverpool’s combative midfield trio, particularly Mac Allister and Gravenberch, who combine to draw 2.38 fouls per game, Domínguez is likely to find himself in challenging situations. His history of bookings and the physical demands of this match make this selection highly probable.

Mohamed Salah continues to be the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attacking exploits this season. With 31 goal contributions in the Premier League alone, Salah remains a consistent source of the desired, finished product.

Not only did he set the record for most games with both a goal and assist as early in the season as December, but he has also added seven contributions (3G, 4A) in other competitions. His reliability in big moments, combined with Forest’s likelihood to sit back and take a barrage from Liverpool’s, makes this selection a standout choice for the “Egyptian King” to deliver once more.