Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon will mean more to Arne Slot than just about anyone.
The Reds’ head coach spent much of last season bemoaning his team’s 1-0 home defeat to Forest at Anfield, before being held to a 1-1 draw at City Ground.
During that game, which felt crucial to the Premier League title race at the time, Forest fans took delight in singing a version of the Cranberries’ classic ‘Zombie’ towards Slot, insisting that they were ‘in his head.’
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
If that was bad enough for the Liverpool boss, things got even worse last November when Forest came to Anfield and won again, this time by a resounding 3-0 scoreline, providing Slot with one of his darkest days in charge of the Reds.
And, as it happens, Liverpool’s record against Sunday’s opponents is even worse than first feared. In their last 15 visits to the banks of the River Trent, the Reds have won only once. Nevertheless, despite their patchy run, Slot has had some success from set-pieces against Forest. If his team are to end that dismal run this weekend, they will have to do so again.
Liverpool have found a Nottingham Forest weak spot
Liverpool have hugely improved from set-pieces over recent weeks. Although Slot defended sacked coach Aaron Briggs during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, it is clear that something has changed.
As Liverpoolfc.com note, this could be especially important against Nottingham Forest.
Virgil van Dijk scores for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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The Reds have scored eight goals in seven Premier League meetings between the two teams since Forest were promoted in 2022. Interestingly, five of those have come via set-pieces (three corners, two free-kicks).
Indeed, Liverpool’s most recent goal against Forest came from an excellent corner kick last January. Kostas Tsimikas crossed with his first touch since coming on as a substitute for the late Diogo Jota to tuck away, also with his first touch.
When November’s clash at Anfield came around, Liverpool were in no place to score against anyone from a set-piece. But having hit the winner against Sunderland via a corner, and scored another one two games’ prior versus Newcastle, the Reds are starting to pick up some form in this respect.
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
Having seen the way to get at Forest in recent meetings gone by, they must now lean into their newfound confidence from set plays.
Liverpool can target Murillo
When Liverpool have played Forest over recent seasons, centre-back Murillo has stood out as one of the very best players.
The Brazilian scored the opening goal at Anfield earlier this season and has tended to really stand out up against the Reds. Liverpool have once again been linked with Murillo as they prepare to potentially replace Ibrahima Konate this summer.
However, the 23-year-old can be a weak link for Forest from set-pieces. Standing at only 5 feet 11 inches, Murillo has an aerial duel success percentage of only 55.6%. Compare this against Van Dijk (76.5% and Konate (72.7%) and it’s clear where Liverpool can get the marginal gains on Sunday.
Stick either of the two big centre-backs on the Forest man, put the ball on their head and watch the battle unfold.
Liverpool, of course, are not a team who view themselves as needing to rely on set-pieces to win matches. They are not Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after all. But as they begin to rediscover their touch from dead balls, it could be just what the doctor ordered to ground out another important win and put to bed one of their only remaining Premier League hoodoos.
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