Andoni Iraola will oversee his first Premier League game at Anfield as Liverpool head coach on Saturday, with traveling Nottingham Forest looking to spoil his home debut
Liverpool is searching for its first win of the season against Nottingham Forest
Liverpool is searching for its first win of the season against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool will play at Anfield on Saturday for the first time this season when hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and both teams have a lot to prove after a shaky start to the campaign.
Andoni Iraola settled for a 2-2 draw away to Newcastle on the opening weekend after Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool from the penalty spot in the last minute. Cody Gakpo also got on the scoresheet, though he continues to be linked with a move elsewhere.
Liverpool fans have been boosted by the news that Bradley Barcola is set to sign from Paris Saint-Germain, but there is still concern on Merseyside. Liverpool will host Forest in the early Saturday kickoff, and a win feels essential for Iraola.
Newcastle were deserved leaders against Liverpool until new signing Victor Munoz won a late penalty after colliding with Lewis Hall. It took Iraola 10 games to secure his first win as Bournemouth head coach, but he has a great opportunity to claim victory against Forest.
Forest is entering another new coaching era under Oliver Glasner, who made the surprising switch from Crystal Palace at the end of last season. However, Forest suffered a late defeat to Leeds United on the opening day of the season, and couldn't bounce back in midweek.
After losing 1-0 at home in the Premier League, Forest again hosted Leeds three days later in the EFL Cup. Leeds followed up their 1-0 win by improving to 2-0 victors, dumping Glasner out of his first competition within two games.
Oliver Glasner has lost his opening two home games, with Nottingham Forest yet to score this season
Oliver Glasner has lost his opening two home games, with Nottingham Forest yet to score this season(Image: Getty Images)
Another defeat would already place pressure on Glasner, with volatile owner Evangelos Marinakis not shy to make ruthless changes. Last season, Forest set a new record after hiring four different permanent managers in a single campaign.
However, Forest have enjoyed recent success at Anfield, winning 3-0 there last season during one of Liverpool's worst performances. Iraola will be desperate to avoid embarrassment in his first game in front of the Anfield crowd.
TV Channel and live stream
The game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest kicks off at 12:30 p.m. local time, or 7:30 a.m. ET in the U.S. The television coverage Stateside will be on the USA Channel and NBC, and the game will be available to stream on the network's online platform.
In the U.K., the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and available to stream on HBO Max.
Early team news
Liverpool has no fresh injury problems to consider, but it remains to be seen whether Cody Gakpo will feature as he remains closely linked with a move to Tottenham or Manchester City. That could see Rio Ngumoha start in his preferred role on the left, with Munoz on the right.
Joe Gomez continues to be out after suffering an injury in preseason, and Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are still working their way back from knee problems.
Forest could hand Liam Delap his debut after making the $60 million move from Chelsea, but Glasner was handed two new injury problems this week. Former Liverpool player Neco Williams suffered a knock in the 2-0 loss to Leeds and is a doubt for the game.
Midfield star Morgan Gibbs-White has been dealing with a knee issue, and his status for the game is unknown.