Liverpool Set to Battle Nottingham Forest: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Liverpool are looking to bounce back from their crushing loss at Manchester City when they welcome Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds have used the international break to regroup following a disappointing 3–0 loss to City in their previous match and will be eager for redemption upon their return. They now find themselves on the fringes of the Premier League title chase as their hold on the championship weakens.

A win against Forest, whom they failed to defeat in both Premier League encounters last season including a home loss, would bring them to within five points of league leaders Arsenal ahead of Sunday's north London derby. However, Liverpool understand that flawless performances are now essential to defend their title—and recent form indicates they may come up short.

Following a brief upturn with wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, Liverpool seemed to have found their rhythm, but another poor showing at City will have damaged morale. Forest, who claimed their first league victory under Sean Dyche before the international break, will be eager to capitalize on any low spirits.

They begin the weekend in the drop zone having already changed managers multiple times, but their 3–1 triumph over Leeds United provides hope for improvement. Stalemates with Manchester United and Sturm Graz before defeating the Whites, plus a victory over Porto, indicate progress is being made.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Kick Off?

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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How to Watch Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest on TV, Live Stream

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool face mixed news regarding player fitness. Alisson's long-awaited comeback has been confirmed by Slot and will delight fans, but injuries to Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz present challenges.

Wirtz picked up a muscle problem while on international duty with Germany despite delivering his finest performance of the campaign against Slovakia, while Bradley is expected to be unavailable for at least the next three weeks.

With Jeremie Frimpong still out, Bradley's fitness concerns could compel Slot to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai at right back again. Nevertheless, with Wirtz also unavailable in attacking midfield, the Hungarian may be preferred in a more advanced role while Joe Gomez covers for the Northern Ireland international.

Young players Jayden Danns, Stefan Bajcetic and Givoanni Leoni remain long-term casualties.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Nottingham Forest

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak.

Nottingham Forest Team News

The Tricky Trees face numerous injury concerns ahead of their journey to Liverpool, with last season's leading scorer Chris Wood still sidelined. The New Zealand striker has been unavailable since the Porto match and continues to be out with a knee injury.

Former Liverpool forward Taiwo Awoniyi is also missing for Forest, meaning Igor Jesus will spearhead the attack on Merseyside. Summer signings Dilane Bakwa, Douglas Luiz and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all unavailable as well.

Reserve keeper Angus Gunn remains in the medical room, along with right back Ola Aina, but Callum Hudson Odoi, who netted the decisive goal at Anfield last season, should return from a dead leg injury.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Sels; Savona, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Sangaré, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Score Prediction

Liverpool continue to be an inconsistent side this season, but their home record has remained largely solid. Apart from the loss to rivals Manchester United, they have secured all their Premier League victories at Anfield this campaign.

Home triumphs over Villa and Madrid highlighted Liverpool's capabilities when performing at their peak and there remains a world-class squad within this current group.

Considering Liverpool's vulnerable defense, Forest will believe they can find the net this Saturday, but they may be overwhelmed by the hosts' wealth of attacking options.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Nottingham Forest