Liverpool Seek Revenge Against Forest in Crucial Title Race Clash | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest v Liverpool – The Premier League Preview

Date – 14th January 2025

Venue – City Ground

Kick-off – 20.00

After the Reds successfully advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup following a first-leg loss in their EFL Cup semifinal against Tottenham, it’s time to shift focus back to their pursuit of the English Premier League title. Earlier in the season, the Reds suffered a 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a result that raised some concerns about the new Merseyside manager, Arne Slot. Since then, the Dutch head coach has demonstrated his brilliance as a manager and tactician, guiding his team to the top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables. Meanwhile, Nuno Espírito Santo has excelled in his role as Forest manager, making both coaches strong contenders for the Manager of the Year award.

This match is crucial for the visiting Reds, as a recent dip in their league form has created some doubt regarding their title credentials. With a six-point lead and a game in hand over both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, a win at the City Ground would not only eliminate Forest from the title race but also place additional pressure on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners. As Arsenal faces Spurs in a North London derby on Wednesday night, these upcoming midweek matches could be vital for the remainder of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest Availability

The Forest manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, will be missing only Ibrahim Sangaré from his squad. A heavily rotated side that recently won against Luton in the FA Cup means last season’s relegation-threatened team will be near full strength for this enticing match. Prior to that 2-0 home win over Luton, a 0-3 away win was recorded at Wolves after a 0-2 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

After playing 20 games in the top tier, the 1977/78 English League champions have amassed an impressive 40 points and currently sit 3rd in the league standings. It’s noteworthy that last season, the two-time European champions only managed to secure 32 points, finishing 17th, escaping relegation primarily due to the poor performances of the three clubs relegated.

The predicted lineup for the home team, using a 4-2-3-1 formation, is as follows. Expect a much-changed lineup from the one that faced Luton in the FA Cup, aiming to absorb pressure and counterattack quickly.

– GK: Matz Sels

– RB: Neco Williams

– RCB: Nikola Milenković

– LCB: Murillo

– LB: Ola Aina

– CM: Elliot Anderson

– CDM: Ibrahim Sangaré

– ACM: Morgan Gibbs-White

– RM: Anthony Elanga

– CF: Chris Wood

– LM: Callum Hudson-Odoi

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Darwin Núñez, who is serving a one-game suspension. France international defender Ibrahima Konaté is expected to be available for selection after missing the weekend match.

Liverpool’s recent league form had been questionable until their 4-0 victory against Accrington Stanley. Before their 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the EFL Cup semifinal first leg, they recorded a disappointing 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield. With 19 games played so far, Liverpool currently tops the Premier League standings with an impressive 46 points.

Here is the lineup I expect Arne Slot to field for this away match in Nottingham. The team will revert to its strongest available eleven after a heavily rotated group successfully advanced in the FA Cup.

– GK: Alisson Becker

– RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

– RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

– LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

– LB: Andy Robertson

– CM: Ryan Gravenberch

– ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

– CM: Alexis Mac Allister

– RF: Mohamed Salah

– CF: Luis Díaz

– LF: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Liverpool is expected to approach this match with intensity, aiming to avenge their only Premier League loss of the season. The counterattack threat posed by the home side must be addressed, making this matchup one of the most intriguing and important games of the current campaign. The power and urgency displayed by the Reds will need to exceed that of their home draw against Manchester United. However, the firepower and experience of the away side should lead to a narrow victory for Arne Slot’s men.

Player to Watch: Dominik Szoboszlai

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Nottingham Forest 1 – 2 Liverpool