An improved Liverpool performance is required at home to Nottingham Forest this weekend, with the wide battles set to be important.
The Reds disappointed in their Premier League opener, drawing 2-2 at Newcastle thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai‘s late equalising penalty.
Next up is Forest on Saturday lunchtime, as Anfield hosts its first competitive game of the season.
Ahead of the match, we spoke to 1865: A View From The Forest (@nottm_forest) to get the view from Liverpool’s opponents and preview the weekend action.
What did you make of your opening 1-0 defeat against Leeds?
It was no surprise that it was the last game on Match of the Day!
The match itself was not exactly high quality; it was very physical, but both teams did have chances.
If Matz Sels hadn’t made the error from Anton Stach’s free kick, then I think most people would have said 0-0 was a fair reflection.
Oliver Glasner’s comments were also fair: no-one was outstanding, but no-one was terrible either. You can tell the players are having to get used to an entirely different style of play.
Are you happy with the appointment of Oliver Glasner?
On the whole, yes. He has a track record of winning trophies, even if he doesn’t make many friends along the way.
The way in which Vitor Pereira was sacked by Nottingham Forest was a bit ruthless, and he will always have a place in the hearts of Forest fans and players.
But while the Portuguese brought the vibes, Glasner will hopefully bring some silverware.
How’s your optimism for the season ahead?
The league might be a bit of a slog – Glasner sides are notoriously slow starters – but with so many other teams distracted by Europe, we should be OK.
We are also hopeful that we might have a cup run.
How will the campaign pan out for Forest and Liverpool?
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday August 23, 2026.
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday August 23, 2026.
I think we will end up 12th, and Liverpool will be third.
Arsenal, or maybe Chelsea, for the title.
Advice for visiting fans…
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 16, 2023: A general view of the City Ground before the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 16, 2023: A general view of the City Ground before the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Parking is increasingly a nightmare for the City Ground, but the train and tram are not too far away.
Where will the key battles take place against Liverpool?
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I think it will be a battle of attrition, but I am not sure how much of that will be in the midfield.
On Saturday, it felt like much of the action was coming down the wings, and I think that Forest’s back three and wing-backs will be key to the outcome.
Finally, what’s your prediction on Saturday?
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I’m afraid that I am predicting a home win, which will be nice for you after the last couple of seasons.
While Liverpool are also in transition under a new manager, Forest are arguably making greater adjustments right now, and the home crowd might well make a difference to each team’s confidence levels.
Football – FA Community Shield – Crystal Palace FC v Liverpool FC
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 10, 2024: The UEFA Champions League trophy. General. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(61)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(61)
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)