Liverpool should need no introduction into the difficulties of playing away from home against Nottingham Forest.
Arne Slot has not won in three attempts against the two-time European champions, drawing 1-1 during his first, frantic visit to the City Ground last season.
That draw represented just one of 14 times Liverpool have failed to beat Forest in their past 15 away trips. Indeed, the Reds have an appalling record at the City Ground.
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
Nevertheless, Forest are not quite the same proposition this season as they flirt intensely with the Premier League relegation places.
But having just appointed Vitor Pereira – who is set to take charge of his first home game with the club – and won 3-0 against Fenerbahce on Thursday, Alan Shearer has warned Slot and Liverpool to expect a ‘rocking’ stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool backed to contend with City Ground atmosphere
Since their return to the Premier League in 2022, Forest supporters have made sure that their home stadium has become a formidable place to visit.
While that has suffered a little this season, Liverpool know all too well just how difficult getting a result on the banks of the River Trent can be. With Pereira set for a welcome, Shearer says that could be the case again on Sunday.
Arne Slot directs his team during Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
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“I think, as Arsenal found it tough, City found it tough there as well, and Liverpool will as well because I think Vitor Pereira will get a great reception and the City Ground will be rocking,” the former Newcastle striker predicted to Metro.
Despite the difficulties of playing in such an atmosphere, though, Shearer backed Liverpool to come through it and pick up what would be a massive three points.
“However, I think the form that Liverpool are in, they’ll just have too much,” he added.
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
Liverpool must start fast at City Ground
When Liverpool visited Forest last season, they had to contend with an impressive evening atmosphere.
This time, the fact that the game falls on a Sunday afternoon could potentially help the Reds here.
The home support will of course be keen to welcome their new manager, and it is likely that they will be right at it from the first whistle. But Liverpool must make sure they combat that and stand firm against the waves.
The Reds quietened the Stadium of Light while playing away at Sunderland earlier this month, and a similarly mature performance will be needed to help them take control of a game they still should win.
One way of doing that is by starting fast and getting an early goal, something Liverpool have not been good at under Slot. As they face the City Ground once again, Sunday would be a good time to start.
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