Arne Slot has a number of positions to consider as Liverpool head to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with Joe Gomez‘s role arguably the biggest decision.
Having made four changes for the 3-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend, Slot is expected to reshuffle his starting lineup again at Forest.
This comes both due to players returning to starting contention and others being boosted by a break in their schedule.
So how should Liverpool line up against Nottingham Forest on Sunday?
Liverpool team news vs. Forest: 8 players miss out
Liverpool’s XI vs. Nottingham Forest: With or without Gomez?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates with team-mate Joe Gomez (L) after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Slot declaring Gomez ready to start again after two games off the bench, the obvious decision would be to restore a natural defender to right-back.
He could do so as part of another otherwise unchanged back four with Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez.
The bigger calls may come with the return of Ryan Gravenberch to midfield and Hugo Ekitike to attack – both are guaranteed starters, but it remains to be seen who they replace.
With Gomez rejoining the defence, the most likely player to drop out for Gravenberch is Curtis Jones, with Dominik Szoboszlai moving to an attacking midfield role as Ekitike replaces Cody Gakpo.
That would see Florian Wirtz shift to the left wing as Liverpool line up like this:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
However there is an argument that Jones deserves to keep his place in the side following an excellent display against Brighton in the FA Cup – even if that means another stint at right-back.
Furthermore it seems feasible that Slot will stick with Gakpo on the left wing and Szoboszlai in midfield, which could mean Alexis Mac Allister steps out of the starting XI instead.
That would mean the following XI:
Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Clearly the most likely scenario is that Gomez takes up duties at right-back and Jones – who had not started in seven games prior to the Brighton game – returns to the bench.
But though there are only 16 outfielders available to Slot it feels as though Liverpool are now in a much stronger position than they have been in recent months.
With more senior options available as substitutes and the ability to rotate in key positions, the head coach could now spring a surprise on new Forest boss Vitor Pereira.
Liverpool Lineup
Share Your LFC Lineup!
Choose any lineup from current Liverpool squad, with custom formations and more