Nottingham Forest play Liverpool at Anfield this Saturday, in a game that will undoubtedly be difficult for the Reds.
Although Forest made some waves in the transfer market this summer, it’s safe to say that the Reds are looking to improve rather than compete this season.
Forest narrowly survived relegation to the Championship in the previous two seasons, and a more comfortable campaign is expected in 2024/25.
This weekend, it will be exciting to watch how Nuno Espirito Santo could line up, with new acquisition James Ward-Prowse seeming almost certain to make his debut.
How Nottingham Forest could line up with James Ward-Prowse against Liverpool.
The Forest rearguard
Forest’s clash against Liverpool this Saturday could take on an entirely different aspect if the team focuses on providing a solid performance.
Matz Sels appears to be keeping his spot in the team while Carlos Miguel waits for an opportunity to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper.
For this game, Forest could play with a back three, with Morato on the left side of a three-man central defence.
Murillo may play in the center, with Nikola Milenkovic lining up on the right side of the three.
The Forest engine room and wingbacks
Much has been made of Ibrahim Sangare, but he has made the most tackles in the Premier League this season, so Espirito Santo is unlikely to drop him.
He will most likely play as a defensive option, allowing Elliot Anderson and James Ward-Prowse to roam and assist with both defensive and offensive tasks.
Alex Moreno, who impressed against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, might make his Premier League debut for Forest at wing-back.
On the right, it will be a toss-up between Ola Aina and Neco Williams, and we believe the latter will receive the nod over his former club.
Leading the Forest line
Given the change of shape, there will be less attackers on the field for Forest but thwarting the threat of Liverpool will be the main priority this weekend.
New England international Morgan Gibbs-White won’t be getting dropped any time soon and will almost certainly start.
Alongside him in attack, Forest could give Taiwo Awoniyi a start for the simple reason that Chris Wood will be playing for New Zealand in the USA on Wednesday night.
That won’t give Espirito Santo long to get him ready on the training ground and perhaps Awoniyi is the safe option here.
James Ward-Prowse’s record against Liverpool.
Ward-Prowse is unlikely to arrive at Forest and immediately begin scoring and assisting, and he couldn’t have asked for a more difficult debut.
Forest will rely on scraps for significant portions of the game at Anfield, and every set piece will focus on Ward-Prowse and his excellence in those scenarios.
Looking ahead to Saturday, it’s fair to argue that Ward-Prowse has a decent record against Liverpool, given how good they’ve been in recent years.
The 29-year-old has won five games against Liverpool and been part of four sides who have taken a point away from the Reds.
Ward-Prowse has one goal and two assists versus the Merseyside giants.
His only goal came in a 4-4 draw against Liverpool while playing for Southampton in the 2022/23 season.
Forest will be eager to add to that total this weekend, but a solid start for the club will be the most crucial factor.
Ward-Prowse has one goal and two assists versus the Merseyside giants.
His only goal came in a 4-4 draw against Liverpool while playing for Southampton in the 2022/23 season.
Forest will be eager to add to that total this weekend, but a solid start for the club will be the most crucial factor.
