Liverpool seek to bounce back from a disappointing loss against Manchester City as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The match will take place on Saturday afternoon at Anfield. Following a 3–0 defeat to City, Liverpool is eager for redemption. The Reds have had an international break to regroup and are now looking to regain their place in the title race.
Liverpool’s Title Aspirations
With their recent performance, Liverpool is at risk of losing their grasp on the Premier League title. A win against Nottingham Forest would narrow the gap to five points from league leaders Arsenal. However, past encounters with Forest have not been favorable, as Liverpool failed to secure a victory in both matches last season.
Forest’s Recent Form
Nottingham Forest enters the match after securing their first league win under manager Sean Dyche before the international break. They currently find themselves in the relegation zone but have shown signs of improvement, including a recent 3–1 victory against Leeds United and draws against Manchester United and Sturm Graz.
Head-to-Head Record
| Match Date | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11/09/2023 | Man City 3 – 0 Liverpool | Away |
| 11/04/2023 | Liverpool 1 – 0 Real Madrid | Home |
| 11/01/2023 | Liverpool 2 – 0 Aston Villa | Home |
| 11/01/2023 | Nottingham Forest 3 – 1 Leeds | Home |
| 10/30/2023 | Bournemouth 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest | Away |
Injury Updates
Liverpool has received mixed news regarding player injuries. Alisson is set to return, a boost for the team, but Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz will be absent. Wirtz suffered a muscle injury during international duty with Germany. Bradley is sidelined for at least three weeks. Jeremie Frimpong also remains injured, prompting potential lineup changes.
Liverpool’s Expected Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
- Forwards: Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Isak
Nottingham Forest’s Challenge
Nottingham Forest faces challenges with several key players injured. Chris Wood remains sidelined, and Taiwo Awoniyi is also out. Igor Jesus will lead the attack. Additionally, new signings Dilane Bakwa, Douglas Luiz, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are unavailable, although Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to return after a recent injury.
Nottingham Forest’s Expected Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Sels
- Defenders: Savona, Milenković, Murillo, Williams
- Midfielders: Sangaré, Anderson
- Forwards: Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus
Match Prediction
Despite recent inconsistencies, Liverpool’s home record is strong. They have won every league match at Anfield this season, apart from a defeat to Manchester United. Nottingham Forest will look to exploit Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, but the attacking prowess of the home team may prove too much to handle. Predictions lean towards a Liverpool victory, possibly 2–1.
