Liverpool will continue their bid for the top spot when they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Anfield this Sunday.
Fresh off their emphatic win over Toulouse in the Europa League, the Reds will look to carry on the momentum against the Forest, who, on the other hand, have been winless in their last five games.
Sitting fourth in the table, Jurgen Klopp’s men can move level on points with leaders Tottenham Hotspur, with only three points separating the two sides.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview
The Reds had the top spot in their sights but were hindered by a defeat against Spurs, followed by a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Klopp’s men returned to winning ways by getting the better of Everton in the Merseyside derby, where Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines with an excellent double.
The Egyptian talisman was also on target in the thumping 5-1 win over French side Toulouse in the Europa League last night, where Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez also found the nets.
The Merseysiders will now shift their focus towards the Premier League and will look to continue their perfect home record this season.
Klopp seems to have forged a well-rounded squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts this season, and the Reds are likely to stop at nothing against the Forest.
Elsewhere, Nottingham’s winless streak has been a real cause of concern, with their last victory dating back to the start of September, when they edged out Chelsea.
Interestingly, the Forest have picked up four draws in their last five games, which leaves them 15th in the table.
They could have ended their drought against Luton Town last week, but they squandered a 2-0 lead to see the game finish 2-2.
The result didn’t sit well among the Forest faithful, who vented their frustrations at the City Ground, though Steve Cooper has called for patience for Nottingham to become a well-established club.
Nevertheless, Cooper is aware of the pressure mounting on him to deliver the results on the pitch, but he faces a daunting challenge against Liverpool.
On the downside, Forest’s last victory at Anfield in a league game dates back to 1969, which further dwindles their chances on Sunday.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Team News
Andrew Robertson will miss the remainder of 2023 after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, with Kostas Tsimikas taking up his spot in the playing eleven.
Besides, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak are unavailable for selection.
Wataru Endo might have to make way for Dominik Szoboszlai in the eleven despite his impressive outing against Toulouse.
On the other hand, Forest’s injury list is stacked, with former Liverpool star Divock Origi being the most recent victim. The Belgian joins the likes of Felipe, Gonzalo Montiel, Danilo and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the infirmary.
Adding to the woes, Anthony Elanga is said to be doubtful for the game against Liverpool due to illness, which could leave Forest’s attack toothless.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest possible lineups
Liverpool potential starting XI
Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz
Nottingham Forest potential starting XI
Matt Turner; Serge Aurier, Boly, Murillo, Harry Toffolo; Ibrahim Sangare, Orel Mangala, Nicolas Dominguez; Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga
We Say: Liverpool 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s remarkable home record and the rich vein of form they are currently in signals danger to the visiting Nottingham Forest. The attacking trident of Salah, Nunez and Diaz will be too hot to handle for Steve Cooper’s side.
