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Predicting Liverpool's starting XI vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League

Predicting Liverpool's starting XI vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League

Andy Headspeath 26 Oct 2023, 11:52 Last modified: 26 Oct 2023

After a micro-blip, Liverpool got back to winning ways in the all-important Merseyside derby last weekend.

The 2-0 win, though more gritty than pretty at times, was exactly the tonic the Reds needed after a couple of bruising, confusing and disappointing outings against Spurs and Brighton.

The victory at Anfield kept Jurgen Klopp's side inside the top four and just three points off Premier League leaders Tottenham, heading into a very winnable stretch of fixtures.

Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest (h), Luton (a) and Brentford (h) – between Europa League and Carabao Cup commitments – before the next international break.

Though the mantra remains 'one game at a time', it will be imperative to Klopp and co that they take maximum points from the next three outings, before going into the early Saturday kick-off (yes, another one) away at Manchester City post internationals on 25 November.

First up then is Forest, this Sunday.

The match comes just three days after the Europa League clash with Toulouse, while memories of Taiwo Awoniyi's winner at the City Ground last season mean this encounter won't be taken lightly.

But who is likely to get the nod in Klopp's starting XI?

DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS

Perhaps the biggest doubt in Liverpool's backline is who features at left back in Andy Robertson's absence.

Kostas Tsimikas deputised in the Merseyside derby but was taken off after an hour as part of a tactical switch. Despite being the most experienced option, it still feels like the Greece international – who is even less suited to the new more defensive-minded role than Robertson in Klopp's tweaked system – may not be a shoo-in to hold down a place in the side, with Joe Gomez and Luke Chambers also possibilities for the manager.

Ibrahima Konate became one of the big talking points of last weekend when he wasn't sent off against Everton. That close call aside, the Frenchman remains Liverpool's best all-round partner for Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold goes into the weekend seeking to add to just one assist so far in 2023/24.

Alisson Becker will start in goal, barring some sort of late emergency. He'll be aiming for back to back Premier League clean sheets for the first time since May.

STRONG MIDFIELD

Curtis Jones will sit out the last game of his three-match ban on Sunday.

The balance he brings to Liverpool's midfield will be gladly welcomed back, though his absence has given a chance for Ryan Gravenberch to showcase his own range of talents. The Dutchman shone in spells against Everton and likely has done enough to convince Klopp of a second Premier League start.

Alexis Mac Allister, for better or worse, now appears to be the preferred holding midfielder, while fellow new boy Dominik Szoboszlai is already one of the first names on the team sheet.

Harvey Elliot, who has been continually impressive in cameos so far this season, may have to make do with another bench role on Sunday, alongside Wataru Endo.

Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain unavailable.

ATTACKING OPTIONS

With Cody Gakpo returning to full fitness following the knee injury that ruled him out Liverpool's last two Premier League encounters, Klopp has options again in attack. However, Darwin Nuñez is fast becoming undroppable when fit.

The Uruguayan grabbed another assist from the bench against Everton, sprinting half the length of the pitch to set up Mohamed Salah.

The two have developed a flourishing partnership, while Klopp has claimed that Nuñez's adaptation period is 'long gone' with the forward's explosive talents really coming to fore now.

On the left, Luis Diaz should start once again. The Colombian has faced some criticism, but his combination of hard graft and creative flair have made him a key player for Klopp.

The 26-year-old may not have officially contributed a goal in the league since August but, lest we forget, he should've been awarded his angled finish against Tottenham last month.