Liverpool must pick up three points as they return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Reds’ mini-revival was punctured with defeat against Manchester City last time out, leaving them struggling in eighth position.
A home match against relegation-threatened Forest should be exactly what Liverpool need to get back on track.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
However, Liverpool were beaten in this fixture last season, and with Arne Slot facing some new injury problems, things are unlikely to be straightforward. Here’s the XI we expect to be picked to ensure victory at Anfield.
Joe Gomez pictured before Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Defence
Although there was some less good news regarding Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz, Slot did at least confirm that Alisson Becker is ready to return on Saturday.
Alisson has been missing since September, but will come back in for Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Right-back is where the biggest question lies for Slot, with Bradley’s injury leaving him without both of his recognised options.
Liverpool fans would like to see Calvin Ramsay given a chance, but it is much more likely that Joe Gomez steps in for his first Premier League start of the campaign.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Slot has equally less room to manoeuvre at centre-back, where Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are virtually certain to play.
After sealing World Cup qualification with Scotland, it would be a surprise if Andy Robertson did not continue at right-back.
READ MORE: Liverpool risk matching unwanted 62-year record vs Nottingham Forest as Hugo Ekitike highlights problem
Midfield
Forest at home was arguably exactly the kind of fixture where Wirtz could shine for Liverpool. However, Slot has already confirmed that the German will not play.
Who will win Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday?
Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
In his absence it is likely that the Liverpool head coach will simply revert to type and play the midfield trio who performed so successfully last term.
That would see Dominik Szoboszlai reprise his more advanced midfield role, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in a double-pivot behind him.
Attack
Wirtz’s injury is also likely to make life a little easier for Slot in terms of picking his forward line.
Hugo Ekitike did largely well with France and Saturday should represent a real chance for him to truly begin his partnership with Alexander Isak.
Isak is fit despite not playing for Sweden, and the No. 9 through the middle and Ekitike on the left should cause Forest plenty of problems.
After being rested for Egypt in their most recent game, Liverpool fans will hope that Mohamed Salah is a little fresher and ready to wreak havoc on the right.
Liverpool's Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest