Liverpool were looking to pick up a third win in eight days when they travelled to Nottingham Forest.
The City Ground has not been a happy hunting ground for the Reds in recent years, winning just one of their last 15 away league matches.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, had failed to beat the Midlands outfit in three attempts prior to February 22nd’s match.
You can make just one change to Arne Slot’s XI to face Forest☝️
Who, and why?
Liverpool vs Forest
Liverpool vs Forest
However, with Chelsea still struggling for consistent form under a new manager and Manchester United not playing until Monday, it was imperative Liverpool picked up three points against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot ‘surprised’ by Nottingham Forest
Forest now have a new manager in Vitor Pereira, who guided them to a comfortable European win on his debut in the dugout earlier this week.
While they are still performing in Europe, Nottingham Forest kicked off the weekend’s Premier League action firmly in the relegation scrap.
Now, speaking live on Sky Sports on Sunday, Slot has admitted he is surprised by where they are in the table.
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He said: “It’s a bit of a different challenge with a new manager and head coach. It’s still the same players, they have a lot of quality players so looking at them, I’m almost surprised at where they are in the league. But that shows how strong this league is.”
You get to add one Nottingham Forest player to Liverpool’s squad, who you picking and why?
Anderson, Murillo, Williams, or somebody else?
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Murillo of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool at City Ground. Neco Williams playing for Nottingham Forest.
Credit: Molly Darlington/ Diego Souto/Copa/Michael Regan/Getty Images
Jamie Carragher’s message to Liverpool
While Forest are low down the table, they have a strong squad as Slot mentioned.
But anything other than a win really wouldn’t have been ideal for the Reds, who are, in Jamie Carragher’s eyes, competing with three teams for a Champions League place.
Also speaking live on Sky Sports on Sunday, he said: “It’s a big game for Liverpool. A week or so after the Man City game, you saw Man Utd and Chelsea racking up wins, it looked like it would be difficult for Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League.
“I still think it will be difficult for Liverpool. But Chelsea’s result yesterday and Man Utd not having an easy game at Everton tomorrow, it’s a huge opportunity for Liverpool.
“I’d say Aston Villa are in the Champions League race as well. There’s a bit of a gap there but there’s a long way to go as well.”
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