Liverpool will have to make changes to their starting XI after picking up two new injuries when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield today. The Reds need a win to build confidence and momentum after losing to Manchester City before the international break. However, Arn Slott will be without Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz against Forest due to two new injuries.
Alisson Becker is poised to return in goal, but Bradley’s sacking leaves Liverpool without a senior right-back. The Dutch coach has already admitted that this could force his players into uncomfortable positions. Take a look at the Express Sport lineup…
Goalkeeper: Alison
Alisson, who has not played since September 30th, will make his return with a goal. Liverpool lost four of the five Premier League games he missed. The Brazilian’s absence isn’t everything, but his return will be a big help for a team that is struggling.
Alisson will be hoping to continue his perfect record at Anfield this season, which has included wins against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Everton, as well as a win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Defender: Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
Bradley’s absence is a big problem considering Jeremy Frimpong remains out, as Slott warned, and Joe Gomez will miss seven games in 22 days. As a result, Slott may be encouraged to play alongside Szoboszlai at right-back against Liverpool at Anfield.
He achieved this in August against Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, in which Szoboszlai was the standout player. The Hungarian, Liverpool’s player of the season so far, will be required to silence the returning Callum Hudson-Odoi while providing a cross threat.
In other games, Virgil van Dijk will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back, Andy Robertson will start at left-back and Milos Kerkes will start against PSV in midweek.
Midfield: Graven Birch, Jones
With Szoboszlai in defence, he will likely need to be replaced in midfield. Given Wirtz’s absence, that leaves four options to fill the two spots alongside Ryan Gravenbirch: Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni.
Jones has developed into a tempo-setting midfielder, so he will likely be deployed in a deep position next to Graben-Birch. Mac Allister was very effective at Brighton and was able to step into the number 10 role.
Attack: Gakpo, Mac Allister, Salah. Isaac
With Wirtz injured, Slott will have to decide between Kodi Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike to start on the left wing. Gakpo has had an excellent performance at Anfield, contributing five goals in 11 Premier League games. Liverpool need him to have a good game here.
Mohamed Salah will start on the right wing, with Mac Allister taking on a creative role. As a result, Slott will have to choose between Alexander Isak, who signed for £125m in the summer, and midfielder Ekitike. Ekitike’s performance level dropped significantly before the break, so Slott will be hoping Isak can prove why so much money was spent on him.
Liverpool XI vs Forest full match prediction: Alisson. Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson. Graven Birch, Mac Allister. Gakpo, Shoboshlai, Salah. Isaac
