Liverpool head to Nottingham Forest on Sunday with an ever-growing record of woe against the relegation threatened side.
Forest were the only team Arne Slot failed to beat during his debut season in the Premier League, and he followed that up with a dismal 3-0 defeat at Anfield in November.
After sacking Sean Dyche, Forest have appointed Vitor Pereira, and the Portuguese began his reign at the club in style on Thursday, smashing Fenerbahce 3-0 away from home in the Europa League.
Got a horrible feeling Slot is going to keep Gakpo in the XI and drop Salah 😬 Who should be the front four vs Forest?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
As a result, Liverpool and Slot will be wary of another poor result at the City Ground. Thankfully, one positive to take heading into the match appears to be that the right-back situation is beginning to sort itself out.
Although Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong is still injured during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he also hinted at a first Premier League start in more than two months for Joe Gomez. As the Reds search for an end to their poor form against Forest, having the No. 2 back involved could be crucial.
Joe Gomez ready to reinforce Liverpool’s defence
It is a remarkable statistic that Liverpool have had a different player at right-back in each of their past three matches. Even worse, all three have been midfielders.
Gomez is likely to make that four from four on Sunday, but his calming presence should finally put an end to the worrisome rotation.
Arne Slot greets Joe Gomez after Liverpool's UEFA Champions League win against Marseille at Stade Velodrome
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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Gomez has been in good form when he’s played for Liverpool this season and has done well when coming into games at right-back recently.
But with Slot confirming the 28-year-old is now ready to start, he is in line to appear on a Premier League teamsheet for the first time since December 3rd.
Gomez played the full 90 minutes against Sunderland on that day, and although he has started three cup matches since, his return to the line-up at Forest will be a welcome boost.
Anyone else getting that sinking feeling ahead of Sunday?
Why are we SO bad against Forest?
Arne Slot gestures at his watch during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill
Is there a different option at right-back?
With Frimpong and Conor Bradley still missing, Gomez is the most natural option available to Slot this weekend, assuming he once again overlooks Calvin Ramsay.
Ramsay would be the roundest peg to fit in the right-back hole, but it is clear that the Scotsman will not get a look-in.
Aside from Gomez, Slot could choose to go with Dominik Szoboszlai once again, although that would impact on his selection in midfield and up front.
Curtis Jones was excellent against Brighton last week, and there is also a chance that Slot decides to give him a run in the team at full-back.
But despite the qualities both Szoboszlai and Jones offer in the position, it is Gomez who looks set for a rare opportunity to nail down a place in the starting XI. Let’s hope he can take it.
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