How Liverpool might line up against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Liverpool will look to build on their perfect start to the 2024-25 Premier League season when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield (15.00 BST).
The Arne Slot era could not have started any better. The departure of famous manager Jurgen Klopp has gone as well as anyone could have imagined. The Reds have won all three games under their new manager, without surrendering a single goal.
Before the international break, Liverpool defeated their arch rivals Manchester United 3-0. However, Slot will not get carried away and will ensure that his troops do not underestimate the Forest side, which is also unbeaten and has taken five points so far.
Slot has practically the entire team to choose from, with Harvey Elliott (fractured foot) the lone missing. The Anfield manager is aware that Liverpool has seven games in 22 and is concerned that some rotation will be required. Furthermore, several of his men competed vigorously for their respective countries during the international break, so fitness will be tested.
With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team that is expected to face Forest.
GK: Alisson Becker
The No. 1 played twice for Brazil and will be looking for a fourth clean sheet in as many games.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
He has delivered two brilliant performances for England, and he will go into the game full of confidence.
CB: Ibrahima Konate
The French media were unimpressed with Konate’s play in a 3-1 loss to Italy. However, the 25-year-old has been practically perfect for Liverpool this season and should keep his position.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
There may be games in the most recent round of fixtures where the Reds’ skipper is rested. However, Slot will want Liverpool to win their first game back from a vacation, which implies van Dijk will start.
LB: Andy Robertson
The campaign got off to a strong start. Not had as many marauding runs as in recent campaigns, but have been effective defensively.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
The former Bayern Munich player has adapted admirably to the No.6 position and maintained his excellent form for Holland.
CM: Curtis Jones
During Argentina duty, Alexis Mac Allister was carrying an issue. Slot expects the midfielder to be in the squad, but he may be hesitant to risk Mac Allister right away. As a result, Jones, who is returning from injury, might make his season debut.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai.
He has already recorded two assists in the No.10 position, and his enthusiasm and pace have helped Liverpool attack more effectively.
RW-Mo Salah
In just three games, Liverpool’s talisman has contributed six goals. He’s in imperious form and will seek to wreck havoc on Forest’s defence.
ST – Darwin Nu.nez
So far, Diogo Jota has been the preferred attack leader. However, Slot may be mindful of the Portugal international’s recent injury difficulties, and Nunez did not play for Uruguay during the break due to a five-game suspension. It suggests he will be fresh and may be given a chance.
LW: Luis Diaz
Diaz has previously been criticized for not being prolific enough in the last third. However, the Colombian already has three goals and three assists this season, and Slot is inevitable.
