10 key issues to know forward of Liverpool vs. Nott'm Forest

The worldwide break is lastly over and Liverpool return to Anfield as favourites towards a Nottingham Forest facet managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest

Premier League (4) | Anfield
September 14, 2024 | 3pm (BST)

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Liverpool gained this fixture 3-0 final yr with Darwin Nunez arguably the standout performer on the day.

Lots has modified since then, not least there being a brand new supervisor in every dugout, however Arne Slot‘s Reds stay expectant of a victory to start a busy run of fixtures.

 

1. Again in enterprise

Liverpool’s gamers are again on Merseyside and 10 of them returned having performed the utmost variety of minutes on provide throughout the worldwide break.

This might influence Slot’s decision-making when selecting the beginning XI, however the boss appeared happy when requested about so a lot of his gamers being busy during the last two weeks.

“In some conditions I used to be actually pleased with the truth that they performed 90 (twice),” mentioned the Dutchman earlier than caveating that by saying sooner or later he “would adore it to be a bit totally different.”

For gamers like Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas, whom Slot all talked about by identify, their recreation time was a giant optimistic.

 

2. Workforce information

The key distinction from Liverpool’s final match is that Harvey Elliott is not out there, having fractured his foot.

It’s disappointing for the 21-year-old who “would have had a number of taking part in time” within the subsequent few weeks, in line with Slot, however attacking midfield is fortunately a place the place Liverpool have good choices.

In the meantime, Alexis Mac Allister is considerably of a doubt to begin the Forest match after adductor discomfort left him on the bench for Argentina’s final recreation, however Slot has mentioned: “I’m anticipating Macca to be with us.”

Fortunately, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was comparatively cautious with our No. 10 and he returned to coaching on Thursday.

 

3. Beginning XI prediction

Regardless of Mac Allister’s minor issues and the Reds’ busy worldwide break, it’s probably Slot sticks with a facet very near the one which performed towards Man United, for this recreation at the very least.

It’s extra possible that we start to see rotation towards AC Milan, although there exists the chance Liverpool might subject an entire new left facet, changing Andy Robertson, Mac Allister and Luis Diaz with Tsimikas, Curtis Jones and Gakpo.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz

 

4. Hardest check but for Nottingham Forest

It’s up for debate whether or not Forest have truly improved since sacking Steve Cooper and appointing Espirito Santo, however their supporters are comparatively pleased with the 5 factors they’ve taken this season.

Morgan Gibbs-White is certainly the danger-man to look out for and, having simply come again from worldwide obligation with England, his confidence might be excessive.

After signing in the summertime, James Ward-Prowse might be one other who’s a menace at occasions ought to he play.

Elsewhere, 6’5″ centre-back Nikola Milenkovic has had a very good begin to life on the membership, offering an aerial presence on the again for Forest.

Liverpool’s menace might be very totally different on Saturday, although, and can simply be his hardest check since becoming a member of from Fiorentina for £12 million.

 

5. What Slot mentioned on rotation

Whereas this won’t be the sport we see full-scale rotation from the brand new head coach, he has acknowledged that it’s one thing Liverpool should take care of this season:

“My former groups we have been capable of truly play virtually each recreation with the identical gamers.

“However it’s a totally different league so I might need to regulate to that, but it surely additionally depends upon what they present by way of physique.

“Within the first three video games we have been actually robust by way of physique however we solely performed one recreation each seven days. Now they’ve a degree to show.

“I assume all of them wish to play each recreation, so in the event that they wish to they’ve to point out up each time by way of high quality and particularly workrate.

“Now we have greater than 11 excellent gamers so I can use extra.”

 

6. Ron Yeats tribute

With this being the primary residence match because the unhappy loss of life of legendary captain Ron Yeats on the age of 86, Liverpool will mark his passing earlier than kick-off in what might be an emotional tribute from the Kop.

The above picture of Yeats holding the league title in 1964 may even adorn the match programme and inside might be loads of studying on the previous Liverpool scout and centre-back.

• Learn right here: Ron Yeats – The colossal signing who was Liverpool’s authentic Van Dijk

 

7. Not on UK TV

For those who’re within the UK, you gained’t legally have the ability to watch Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest on the tv because of the match being performed throughout the 3pm blackout interval.

If you’re exterior the UK, the match might be the place you usually discover your Premier League protection, with a full rundown from us to come back on Saturday.

For individuals who can’t watch, This Is Anfield can have you lined as Harry McMullen takes you thru the motion at Anfield with minute-by-minute protection.

 

8. The sheets are staying clear!

The Reds have seemed way more strong on the again this season than final, owing primarily to an additional midfielder remaining disciplined and stopping counter-attacks.

On Saturday, Slot can turn into the primary Liverpool supervisor ever to win his opening 4 league matches with out conceding a purpose.

A clear sheet would additionally see the Reds equal their membership file of 4 shutouts in a row at first of a league marketing campaign, additionally achieved in 2005/06.

The Midlands outfit final gained away at Anfield again in February 1969, when Barry Lyons scored twice in a 2-0 victory.

 

9. Who’s the referee?

Michael Oliver referees his first Liverpool match because the 1-1 draw with Man Metropolis in March, when the Reds have been inexcusably denied a penalty for Jeremy Doku’s excessive boot on Mac Allister – VAR ought to have caught it too, in fact.

The assistants at Anfield might be Stuart Burt and Dan Cook dinner, whereas the fourth official has been named as Anthony Backhouse.

Graham Scott is the lead video assistant referee this weekend and can have Craig Taylor alongside him.

 

10. Observe the match with TIA

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest isn’t on TV within the UK.

Nonetheless, with kickoff at 3pm (BST), TIA’s matchday reside weblog might be up and operating from 2.15pm, with Harry McMullen tasked with retaining you entertained and up-to-date.

Come on you Reds!