Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction and Match Preview
Premier League | Gameweek 10
Oct 29, 2023 at 2pm UK
Anfield
Liverpool aims to build on their recent 2-0 triumph over Everton as they face Nottingham Forest in the 10th round of the Premier League.
The Reds have positioned themselves as top contenders for the championship, but their quest to break Manchester City’s stranglehold on the English top flight demands continued progress.
Unfortunately, midfielder Curtis Jones is unavailable for the match, and the absence of both Andrew Robertson and Thiago Alcantara persists due to injuries. However, Dutch forward Cody Gakpo is expected to recover in time to take on Nottingham Forest.
On the other side, the visitors dropped two crucial points in a 2-2 draw with Luton Town. Given their struggles on the road, anything other than a routine victory for Liverpool at home would be a significant surprise.
Liverpool’s previous meeting with Nottingham Forest at Anfield resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Reds, adding another compelling reason to consider a home win. Forest defender Gonzalo Montiel faces a race against time to regain fitness for Sunday’s encounter.
Team News:
Prior to the dominant performance against Toulouse, Liverpool manager Klopp confirmed that Andy Robertson had undergone a successful surgery to address his dislocated shoulder. Unfortunately, the Scotland international is expected to remain sidelined for the remainder of 2023 as he undergoes his recovery process.
Robertson now joins Thiago Alcantara, who has been dealing with a long-term hip injury, in the treatment room as the Spaniard works on his recovery from a pair of setbacks. Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic’s calf issue is unlikely to clear up in time for the upcoming weekend’s fixture, and there is some uncertainty surrounding Ben Doak’s availability due to a muscular concern.
Curtis Jones will also be absent as he serves the final game of his domestic suspension. This opens the door for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to return to the midfield, with Mac Allister facing stiff competition from Wataru Endo, given his impressive performance on Thursday.
On the Nottingham Forest side, Divock Origi will not be making a homecoming to Anfield this week, as the Belgian striker has been ruled out for several weeks due to a hip injury. He is one of eight injury concerns that Cooper must manage.
October’s hero at the City Ground, Awoniyi (groin), will not be making his return just yet, and Nuno Tavares (groin), Felipe (knee), Gonzalo Montiel (calf), Danilo (thigh), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) are also unavailable for selection. Additionally, Anthony Elanga’s availability is in doubt due to illness.
If Elanga is unable to play, Cooper may need to consider deploying Ola Aina further forward or altering the team’s formation. Moreover, former Liverpool player Neco Williams is likely to face a challenge from Serge Aurier once again.
