The worldwide break is lastly over and Liverpool return to Anfield as favourites in opposition to a Nottingham Forest aspect managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest
Premier League (4) | Anfield
September 14, 2024 | 3pm (BST)
Liverpool gained this fixture 3-0 final yr with Darwin Nunez arguably the standout performer on the day.
Quite a bit 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 supply in the course of 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 find it irresistible to be a bit totally different.”
For gamers like Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas, whom Slot all talked about by title, their sport time was a giant optimistic.
2. Staff information
The main distinction from Liverpool’s final match is that Harvey Elliott is now not obtainable, having fractured his foot.
It’s disappointing for the 21-year-old who “would have had lots of taking part in time” within the subsequent few weeks, in keeping 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 start out the Forest match after adductor discomfort left him on the bench for Argentina’s final sport, 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 seemingly Slot sticks with a aspect very near the one which performed in opposition to Man United, for this sport at the least.
It’s extra possible that we start to see rotation in opposition to AC Milan, although there exists the likelihood Liverpool might subject an entire new left aspect, 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 responsibility with England, his confidence will likely be excessive.
After signing in the summertime, James Ward-Prowse could possibly be one other who’s a menace at instances ought to he play.
Elsewhere, 6’5″ centre-back Nikola Milenkovic has had a great begin to life on the membership, offering an aerial presence on the again for Forest.
Liverpool’s menace will likely 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 had been capable of truly play nearly each sport with the identical gamers.
“However it’s a totally different league so I might need to regulate to that, however it additionally depends upon what they present when it comes to physique.
“Within the first three video games we had been actually sturdy when it comes to physique however we solely performed one sport each seven days. Now they’ve some extent to show.
“I assume all of them need to play each sport, so in the event that they need to they’ve to indicate up each time when it comes to high quality and particularly workrate.
“We have now greater than 11 superb gamers so I can use extra.”
6. Ron Yeats tribute
With this being the primary house match because the unhappy demise of legendary captain Ron Yeats on the age of 86, Liverpool will mark his passing earlier than kick-off in what will likely be an emotional tribute from the Kop.
The above photograph of Yeats holding the league title in 1964 will even adorn the match programme and inside will likely be loads of studying on the previous Liverpool scout and centre-back.
• Learn right here: Ron Yeats – The colossal signing who was Liverpool’s unique Van Dijk
7. Not on UK TV
In the event you’re within the UK, you gained’t legally be capable to watch Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest on the tv because of the match being performed throughout the 3pm blackout interval.
If you’re outdoors the UK, the match will likely be the place you usually discover your Premier League protection, with a full rundown from us to return on Saturday.
For many who can’t watch, This Is Anfield may 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 stable on the again this season than final, owing primarily to an additional midfielder remaining disciplined and stopping counter-attacks.
On Saturday, Slot can change into the primary Liverpool supervisor ever to win his opening 4 league matches with out conceding a aim.
A clear sheet would additionally see the Reds equal their membership report of 4 shutouts in a row firstly 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 had 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 will likely be Stuart Burt and Dan Prepare dinner, whereas the fourth official has been named as Anthony Backhouse.
Graham Scott is the lead video assistant referee this weekend and may have Craig Taylor alongside him.
10. Comply with the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest is just not on TV within the UK.
Nevertheless, with kickoff at 3pm (BST), TIA’s matchday dwell weblog will likely be up and working from 2.15pm, with Harry McMullen tasked with protecting you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
