Liverpool Boost: Star Duo Isak and Alisson Set for Crucial Nottingham Forest Comeback
Liverpool head back into Premier League competition this Saturday afternoon, hoping to prevent a repeat of last season's disappointing home encounter against Nottingham Forest.
Although they enjoyed a successful season that culminated in Premier League triumph, Liverpool suffered a home defeat to the Midlands club early in Arne Slot's tenure. Following their crushing 3–0 loss to Manchester City prior to the November international fixtures, securing three points against Sean Dyche's squad is absolutely crucial.
Slot has encountered multiple concerning injury issues during the international window, presenting the Dutch manager with challenging team selection decisions as expectations intensify. Nevertheless, few coaches possess a more gifted roster than what he has available.
Below is the potential starting formation he might deploy at Anfield this weekend.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Slot has confirmed the welcome return of Alisson to the goal, with the Brazilian expected to feature against Forest assuming no complications arise before Saturday's kickoff. Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered solid performances during his spell, but few shot-stoppers can rival the 33-year-old's quality.
RB: Joe Gomez—Conor Bradley has compounded Liverpool's right-back concerns with his recent injury, joining Jeremie Frimpong on the sidelines. Dominik Szoboszlai might fill the position again, but with the Hungarian likely favored in his natural attacking midfield position, Gomez could earn an uncommon starting opportunity.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The French defender has shown maddening inconsistency this season, frequently following impressive outings with poor displays. Liverpool require better reliability from Konaté considering their limited defensive depth.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Even Van Dijk hasn't escaped Liverpool's struggles, delivering unusually subpar performances at times. The captain's form remains vital to the Reds' hopes of sustained improvement.
LB: Andy Robertson—Robertson assisted Scotland in securing their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the international break and might still be recovering from the celebrations that followed. He should nonetheless start over the struggling Milos Kerkez.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch benefited from rest during the Netherlands' win over Lithuania, providing him additional preparation time against Forest's physical midfield featuring talented English pair Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Argentina participated in only one friendly during the international window—Mac Allister featured for nearly the complete 2–0 victory over Angola. Still, he's had sufficient time to prepare for Forest's Anfield visit.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai experienced World Cup qualifying disappointment during the international period and will be eager to move past Hungary's setback against Ireland. The tireless midfielder should occupy the No.10 position with Florian Wirtz sidelined.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Following more promising displays against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, Salah faded into the background versus Man City. Liverpool need significantly more from their offensive star.
ST: Alexander Isak—With seven matches scheduled over the upcoming 22 days for Liverpool, Slot will likely rotate his two premier forwards. Hugo Ekitiké may get the start against PSV Eindhoven in midweek, allowing Isak to return for Forest's arrival.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo found the net and provided an assist against Lithuania, enhancing his confidence ahead of the weekend fixture. With Wirtz, who has operated on the left wing lately, unavailable, the Dutch winger should regain his place in the starting eleven.
