Liverpool will be aiming to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday. The Reds have won their first three matches without conceding a goal, while Forest are unbeaten after three games.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be looking to make history on Saturday, as he could become the first Liverpool manager ever to win his opening four league matches without conceding a goal. He will also look to continue the momentum his side built after their impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Forest will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season with a positive result at Anfield. They have drawn with Bournemouth and Wolves and won against Southampton, with a three-pronged attack that features Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi looking dangerous.
Injury Updates
Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that Harvey Elliott will miss around six weeks after suffering a fractured foot during the international break. He has not yet figured prominently under Slot, but with European and EFL Cup matches on the horizon, he is a loss. Federico Chiesa could be part of the matchday squad for the first time, while Curtis Jones should also make his return to the group after injury. One of Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah may therefore be left off the bench entirely.
For Forest, Danilo is out for the long haul after breaking his ankle on the opening weekend of the new campaign. Their only other concern is Willy Boly, with the centre-back unlikely to feature this weekend. Chris Wood should continue up front after a good start to the campaign, with Matz Sels remaining in goal after Forest failed with a deadline day bid for Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Key Players to Watch
Mohamed Salah has been in impressive form for Liverpool this season and is a key player for the Reds. He is also a danger from set-pieces and has the ability to score goals from almost anywhere on the pitch. Salah will be looking to add to his three goals so far this season, but will be looking to make history of his own. If he scores, Salah will become the second player to score in Liverpool’s first four matches of a new campaign (Daniel Sturridge, 2013).
Chris Wood, meanwhile, has been a bright spot for Forest this season and has quickly become an important part of their attack. The Kiwi has scored twice in three games for Forest, and he will be looking to make a difference against his former side.
Form and Head-to-Head
Liverpool are undefeated this season and have won all three of their matches. They have also scored nine goals and conceded zero, a record that many will envy. Forest, meanwhile, are also unbeaten, drawing two and winning one. They have scored four goals and conceded three.
Liverpool have won each of their last six Premier League encounters with Forest. In fact, 19 of their 20 goals in those six matches have come in the last five meetings. The Reds last lost to Forest in the Premier League at Anfield in February 1969.
Prediction
Liverpool are the clear favorites in this match, and they should be able to secure a win. They have been playing well at home this season and have a strong record against Forest. However, Forest will be looking to spoil the party and a few key players could make it a difficult test.
Key Quotes
Arne Slott: “They also haven’t lost this season yet so they’re in a good place. It will be a tough one.”
Nuno Espirito Santo: “They are a very good team first of all. Very good players and they have started very well. Some things are different [under Arne Slot than under Jurgen Klopp]. Some things are the same - the players and the core are there. But always a very tough team and we know we are going to face a very good opponent.”
Where to Watch
Team News
Liverpool are still being driven by Mohamed Salah and watched over by goalkeeper Alisson Becker and center back Virgil van Dijk, with Salah and Van Dijk both in frame for new contracts with the legendary club. Arne Slot is waiting to see whether Federico Chiesa is ready for his Premier League debut.
OUT: Harvey Elliott (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Federico Chiesa (undisclosed).
Chris Wood has been finding the back of the net, and the Kiwi is enjoying continued strong play from set-up man Morgan Gibbs-White. Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson are also impressing for the Tricky Trees.
OUT: Danilo (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Ibrahim Sangare (undisclosed), Willy Boly (lower leg)
Possible Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Jones, Salah, Jota; Díaz
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Sangare, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Conclusion
Liverpool are the clear favorites in this match, and they should be able to secure a win. The Reds have been playing well at home this season and have a strong record against Forest. However, Forest will be looking to spoil the party and a few key players could make it a difficult test. Ultimately, this match should be a tight affair, but Liverpool’s home advantage and superior form should be enough to see them secure a victory.
