Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare for the Premier League encounter at Anfield.
Nottingham Forest will face Liverpool this Saturday, their hardest test of the season so far.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is unbeaten after three league games, with two draws and one win. However, their visit to Anfield on Saturday provides a totally different task.
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has had a perfect start to his Premier League tenure. The Reds will head to Merseyside with the intention of putting an end to that.
When it comes to selecting his side, Nuno faces a number of challenges. He must also consider whether to undertake a formation change.
Forest have persevered with a four-man defence early this season, but may three at the back be the way ahead on this occasion to thwart the hosts? If Nuno had been considering taking that route, Willy Boly’s calf problem while on international service could have an impact on his intentions.
Full-back Neco Williams will no doubt be eager to face his former team. A replay of his goal-scoring effort at his old pitch in April 2023’s 3-2 defeat would be welcome, though the Reds would want a better result this time.
Nuno does, however, have options for mixing things up at full-back. Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno will be desperate to break into the starting lineup, potentially leading to a tussle between Williams and Ola Aina for the right-back position.
During the two-week hiatus, Ibrahim Sangare has sparked controversy among supporters in midfield. Elliot Anderson has undoubtedly cemented his place in the middle of the park, but there are numerous contenders to join him.
Deadline for signing James Ward-Prowse is available after watching the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers from the sidelines. It may be that his debut comes from off the bench, though.
Nuno’s issue is whether to make changes to a team that is performing well. Fans may be divided on Sangare, but the head coach has stated that he is pleased with how the midfielder has begun the season.
Morgan Gibbs-White will undoubtedly be full of confidence after earning his England debut. However, wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga will be aware that Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa are keeping an eye on them.
Chris Wood may struggle with weariness early on. The New Zealander has been in the United States on international duty and has a short turnaround for Saturday’s encounter.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s only start so far this term was in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United. The forward still looked short of full match fitness and sharpness after missing a chunk of pre-season so does need minutes. If Wood isn’t quite 100 percent after his long trip, the option is there for Nuno.
Predicted line-up: Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Sangare, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
