The worldwide break is lastly over and Liverpool return to Anfield as favourites in opposition to a Nottingham Forest facet managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest
Premier League (4) | Anfield
September 14, 2024 | 3pm (BST)
Liverpool received this fixture 3-0 final yr with Darwin Nunez arguably the standout performer on the day.
Loads 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 in the course of the worldwide break.
This might impression Slot’s decision-making when choosing the beginning XI, however the boss appeared happy when requested about so lots 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 completely 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 now not out there, having fractured his foot.
It’s disappointing for the 21-year-old who “would have had a variety of enjoying 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 in opposition to Man United, for this recreation no less than.
It’s extra possible that we start to see rotation in opposition to AC Milan, although there exists the likelihood Liverpool might area a complete 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 really 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 unquestionably the danger-man to look out for and, having simply come again from worldwide obligation with England, his confidence will probably 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 probably be very completely 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 really play virtually each recreation with the identical gamers.
“However it’s a completely different league so I may need to regulate to that, but it surely additionally relies on 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 some extent 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.
“We have now greater than 11 superb gamers so I can use extra.”
6. Ron Yeats tribute
With this being the primary dwelling 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 will probably be an emotional tribute from the Kop.
The above photograph of Yeats holding the league title in 1964 may also adorn the match programme and inside will probably 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
If you happen to’re within the UK, you received’t legally be capable to watch Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest on the tv as a result of match being performed throughout the 3pm blackout interval.
If you’re exterior the UK, the match will probably 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 strong on the again this season than final, owing primarily to an additional midfielder remaining disciplined and stopping counter-attacks.
On Saturday, Slot can grow to be 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 document of 4 shutouts in a row initially of a league marketing campaign, additionally achieved in 2005/06.
The Midlands outfit final received 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, after all.
The assistants at Anfield will probably 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. Observe the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest will not be on TV within the UK.
Nevertheless, with kickoff at 3pm (BST), TIA’s matchday dwell weblog will probably be up and working from 2.15pm, with Harry McMullen tasked with maintaining you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
