The worldwide break is lastly over and Liverpool return to Anfield as favourites towards a Nottingham Forest aspect managed by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest
Premier League (4) | AnfieldSeptember 14, 2024 | 3pm (BST)
Liverpool received 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 provide through the worldwide break.
This might affect Slot’s decision-making when choosing the beginning XI, however the boss appeared happy when requested about so a lot of his gamers being busy over the past two weeks.
“In some conditions I used to be actually proud of the truth that they performed 90 (twice),” stated 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 recreation time was a giant constructive.
2. Crew information
The foremost 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 numerous 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 stated: “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 doubtless Slot sticks with a aspect very near the one which performed towards Man United, for this recreation at the least.
It’s extra possible that we start to see rotation towards AC Milan, although there exists the likelihood Liverpool may area 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 take a look at 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 proud of 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 might be excessive.
After signing in the summertime, James Ward-Prowse may very well 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 take a look at since becoming a member of from Fiorentina for £12 million.
5. What Slot stated on rotation
Whereas this may not be the sport we see full-scale rotation from the brand new head coach, he has acknowledged that it’s one thing Liverpool must 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 totally different league so I might need to regulate to that, however it 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 indicate up each time by way of high quality and particularly workrate.
“We’ve got greater than 11 excellent 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 might 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 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
Should you’re within the UK, you received’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 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 many 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 much 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 develop 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 report of 4 shutouts in a row in the beginning 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, 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 is just not on TV within the UK.
Nevertheless, with kickoff at 3pm (BST), TIA’s matchday reside weblog might be up and operating from 2.15pm, with Harry McMullen tasked with maintaining you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!