Mac Allister Returns, Szoboszlai Shifts Wide: Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool will hope to get their first win of the Premier League season as they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Andoni Iraola era commenced with an entertaining 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park last weekend. New signing Victor Munoz won a penalty in the dying seconds of stoppage time, which was expertly converted by Dominik Szoboszlai to help the Reds clinch a point away from Tyneside.
Saturday’s visitors, Nottingham Forest, fell 1-0 at home to Leeds United, marking a poor beginning under new manager Oliver Glasner. To make matters worse, the Tricky Trees were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Leeds United on Wednesday night. Keeping those results in mind, Liverpool could be welcoming a wounded Nottingham Forest to Merseyside for this game.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool continue to be without long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Conor Bradley (knee) and Giovanni Leoni (knee). Joe Gomez is nearing a return to action from a muscle injury, even if this encounter comes too soon for the versatile defender.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker was beaten twice by fine finishes from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock. The Brazilian will be raring to keep a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest at home.
Defence
In front of Alisson, Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again. Virgil van Dijk will continue his partnership with young talent Jeremy Jacquet at the heart of the Reds’ defence, hoping to keep Igor Jesus at bay.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will operate as the full-backs again. They will have to be defensively switched on and combat Forest’s wing-backs at the weekend.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister made an appearance off the bench during the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, and the Argentine could be in line for a more prominent role here. Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will aim to take control of the game as early as possible and dominate proceedings, with Florian Wirtz acting as the creative glue between midfield and attack.
Attack
Dominik Szoboszlai could be stationed on the right wing at the expense of teenage prodigy Rio Ngumoha. Cody Gakpo is expected to start again on the left after an impressive performance and a brilliant goal against Newcastle.
Leading the Liverpool attack will be none other than Alexander Isak. The Swede failed to silence the Newcastle supporters at his former stomping ground, yet Iraola is set to stick with him up front. The likes of Ngumoha, Victor Munoz and Lewis Koumas will get opportunities to impress off the bench.
football formations
Mac Allister Returns, Szoboszlai Shifts Wide: Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1) 1