Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be hoping the international break did his superstars the world of good as they aim to get back to winning ways when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield on Saturday.
WATCH — Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
Slot’s side lost 3-0 at Manchester City before the break and the scoreline flattered Liverpool. They had shown signs of recovery before that thrashing at City, as they secured back-to-back home wins against Aston Villa in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League. But something is off with Liverpool’s balance and they desperately need Mohamed Salah to recapture his best form. Liverpool sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal but they’re not panicking just yet (despite five defeats in their last six) with Virgil van Dijk far from giving up on winning back-to-back Premier League titles.
Forest have found some kind of form under new manager Sean Dyche as they beat Leeds United 3-1 at home before the break, as they built on their impressive home draw with Manchester United. Forest still sit in the relegation zone but are only one point from safety and Dyche seems to have found some defensive solidity as they’ve gone back to being dangerous on the counter.
For live updates and highlights throughout Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, check out PST’s live blog coverage below.
How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (November 22)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: Peacock and NBCSN
Streaming:Stream live on Peacock
Liverpool team news, focus
Alexander Isak played for Sweden during the international break and should be ready to lead the line. Does Hugo Ekitike start on the left? Or will Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo get the nod in that position? There’s also a discussion to be had about whether or not Salah needs to be dropped on the right given his poor form. Defensively Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson are locks at full back now, while Alisson could start as he’s close to fitness but Giorgi Mamardashvili’s form means Liverpool haven’t rushed the Brazilian goalkeeper back.
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Dyche has largely gone back to Forest’s tactics which worked so well from last season and it has worked well in recent weeks. Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation has Igor Jesus up top (Chris Wood is close to being fit) and the duo of Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson in midfield have been so solid and have helped shore things up defensively. Forest will sit back and look to hit Liverpool on the counter.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest prediction
This feels like it will be a really tough game for Liverpool, especially after the international break. They will have to grind it out but they will get the job done. Just. Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest.