Nottingham Forest will host Liverpool in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday, February 22, at the City Ground, as the home side aims to climb out of the relegation zone under new management. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. GMT, which translates to 9 a.m. ET or 6 a.m. PT for viewers in the United States and Canada. This fixture pits a struggling Nottingham Forest, just one place and three points above 18th-placed West Ham, against a Liverpool team fighting to secure a spot in the top five for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Vítor Pereira, the Portuguese tactician who recently took over as Nottingham Forest's fourth manager this season, will make his league debut in charge. According to reports, Pereira replaced Sean Dyche last week following a turbulent period for the club. He wasted no time in asserting his authority, leading the Tricky Trees to a convincing 3-0 victory away to Fenerbahce in a Europa League play-off clash in Istanbul on Thursday. That European success has provided a morale boost as Forest prepare to face one of the league's traditional powerhouses.
Liverpool, known as the Reds, enter the match in strong form after a hard-fought 1-0 league win away to Sunderland, followed by a dominant 3-0 triumph over Brighton in the FA Cup at Anfield last weekend. The Merseyside club currently sits just outside the top five, with every point vital in their pursuit of Champions League football next season. Forest's precarious position adds extra intensity to the encounter, as a win could provide breathing room from the drop zone, while Liverpool will look to capitalize on their momentum.
The City Ground, Nottingham Forest's historic home since 1898, has been a fortress for the club in recent years, though their form has faltered this season. With relegation looming, the pressure is on Pereira to translate his European success into domestic points. "Vítor Pereira takes charge of his first league game as Nottingham Forest boss on Sunday," a preview from CNET noted, highlighting the stakes for the relegation-threatened side.
For fans in the United States eager to catch the action live, the match will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming service Peacock. Viewers will need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription to access the game. Following recent price adjustments, the ad-supported Premium plan is priced at $11 per month, while the ad-free Premium Plus option costs $17 monthly. Peacock has become a key destination for Premier League coverage in the US, offering comprehensive access to matches throughout the 2025-26 season.
Traveling supporters or those abroad may face geo-restrictions when trying to stream the game. In such cases, a virtual private network (VPN) can help maintain access to home-country broadcasts. CNET recommends ExpressVPN as a reliable option, with prices starting at $3.49 per month on a two-year plan for the Basic tier. The service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and works across various devices. However, users are advised to review streaming platforms' terms of service, as some may restrict VPN usage for region-specific content. VPNs are legal in countries like the US and Canada and can enhance privacy and security, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.
In the United Kingdom, where the Premier League originates, the clash will be shown exclusively on Sky Sports, specifically on the Sky Sports Main Event channel. Subscribers with Sky Sports in their TV package can stream via the Sky Go app. For cord-cutters, Now, Sky's standalone streaming service, offers access through a Now Sports membership. Options include a day pass for £15 or a monthly plan starting at £35. This setup ensures that UK fans can watch every moment of the Sunday afternoon showdown.
Canadian audiences have Fubo as their primary outlet for Premier League action this season, holding exclusive streaming rights to all matches. The service is currently priced at CA$27 for the first month, rising to CA$31.50 per month thereafter. Fubo's comprehensive coverage makes it a go-to for soccer enthusiasts north of the border, providing high-quality streams of games like this one between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Australian fans can tune in via Stan Sport, which has secured rights to broadcast all 380 Premier League matches live for the 2025-26 campaign. The add-on Stan Sport subscription costs AU$20 per month on top of a base Stan plan starting at AU$12. Currently, there's a seven-day free trial available, allowing new users to sample the service without commitment. Beyond the Premier League, Stan Sport also covers the Champions League, Europa League, international rugby, and Formula E, making it a versatile option for sports viewers Down Under.
The matchup carries significant narrative weight given the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. Nottingham Forest, once a European powerhouse in the late 1970s and early 1980s under Brian Clough, have spent much of the modern era battling in the lower tiers before returning to the top flight in 2022. This season's managerial carousel—now on its fourth boss—underscores the instability at the club. Pereira, with his experience managing clubs like Porto and Olympiacos, brings a wealth of tactical knowledge, but adapting to the Premier League's intensity will be key.
Liverpool, on the other hand, boast a rich history with six European Cups and 19 league titles. Under their current setup, the Reds have been consistent challengers, though recent seasons have seen them miss out on Champions League spots. Their recent victories against Sunderland and Brighton demonstrate resilience, particularly in defense, which could prove decisive against a Forest side desperate for points. Analysts point to Liverpool's attacking depth as a potential game-changer at the City Ground.
Broader implications for both clubs extend beyond this single fixture. For Nottingham Forest, a positive result could spark a survival push, potentially stabilizing the squad and fanbase. A loss, however, might intensify relegation fears, with West Ham lurking just three points behind. Liverpool's top-five aspirations hinge on consistency against lower-table opponents; securing three points here would keep pressure on the teams above them in the standings.
As the Premier League 2025-26 season progresses, matches like this highlight the league's unpredictability. Relegation battles and qualification races often turn on fine margins, and Sunday's game at the City Ground promises to deliver drama. Fans worldwide, from the US to Australia, have multiple ways to watch, ensuring global access to one of England's most storied rivalries—though not a traditional derby, the stakes make it feel like one.
Looking ahead, both teams face packed schedules. Nottingham Forest's Europa League commitments add to their workload, while Liverpool will balance domestic cups and league duties. Pereira's integration of new ideas could reshape Forest's fortunes, but Liverpool's experience gives them an edge. As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how these dynamics play out in Nottingham.