Liverpool FC vs Nottingham Forest FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Liverpool FC vs Nottingham Forest FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Liverpool couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to make it four wins out of four games in the Premier League 2024 as they set to host Nottingham Forest at their fortress, Anfield, in week four. Meanwhile, the Notts will aim to keep their unbeaten streak going after their three rounds of matches ended with them winning one and drawing two. 

The game before the international break ended just perfectly for the Reds as they defeated a hapless-looking Manchester United, 3-0, in front of their fans. Luis Diaz with a brace and Salah with a goal were the goalscorers of the match. On the other hand, the Tricky Trees went in for the break with a 1-1 draw versus the Wolves at home.  

Head-to-head record: These two teams haven't faced each other much in the Premier League; however, whatever matches have been played, the Reds have a win-loss record of 7-3 with four draws. Interestingly, Liverpool haven't lost a match at Anfield till now against the Tricky Trees. 

Current Standings: With three wins in as many games, Liverpool are currently placed second in the points table, while Nottingham are placed 9th with 1 win and 2 draws. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Liverpool FC Preview

With three comfortable wins in August, the Arne Slot era has gotten off to a solid start, allaying any fears that may have arisen after Klopp left the club at the end of the previous season. So far, his team has won convincingly over Ipswich and Brentford, while dismantling the United States at home in a brutal manner that may have resulted in more goals. Following the first round of matches, the Reds had the highest xG (8.75) and xGA (2.30) of any team in the competition. Not to mention the three clean sheets. 

Seamless transition under Slot 

What sticks out about this transition is the player's rapid adjustment to his system. Although Slot and Klopp's styles of play are similar, Slot approaches things differently. Both coaches place an emphasis on pressing and getting the ball back quickly; however, Slot prefers to keep the ball longer than Klopp and kill teams in possession. So far, the Reds have 57% possession and 87.6% control.

Key Players

Mohamed Salah will once again be the centre of attention ahead of the match against Forrest. The Egyptian winger has been important in the team's success, contributing six goals and three assists in three matches. In addition, he has scored twice in three games against the Trees. 

If the 32-year-old strikes on Saturday, he would become the second Liverpool player to score in the opening four Premier League games of a season, following Daniel Sturridge in 2013-14. Asides Salah, Luiz Diaz on the left wing with three goals and one assist, and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield with seven interceptions will be key players to watch out for.

Injuries and availability of players 

Arne Slot may be without Curtis Jones, summer addition Federico Chiesa, and Alexis Mac Allister for Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest due to injuries.

Liverpool  Starting Lineup -  Alisson (GK), van Dijk, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate (Defenders); Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch (Midfielders); Salah, Jota & Díaz (Forwards) 

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

For a team that ended 17th last season, had points deducted for financial violations, and changed coach midway through the season, the start to this season has been quiet and steady. Nuno Santos' team is currently in ninth place in the table, having won one and drawn two matches. However, things might alter for the better or worse as they face Liverpool next. 

What has changed? 

Much of the troubles they had last season on the pitch came from their inconsistent backline that conceded goals, the most by a team barring the demoted sides, more so from set-pieces. Not to mention, coach Santos used 8 different combinations of players in the backline last season. 

So far this season, Santos has managed to put up the same four in consecutive matches, and they have not conceded any goals through set-pieces. In fact, they have conceded only two goals this season with an xGA of 3.06, which is among the best in this season. 

Key players and tactics

Nuno Santos' plan clearly relies around maintaining the defensive structure in his 4-2-3-1 formation and not allowing opponents to get behind his defence. Full-backs Ola Aina (9 interceptions) and Neco Williams will be entrusted with stopping Liverpool's Salah and Luiz. However, if they are to score any goals, Gibbs-White (1 goal and 9 vital passes), Elliott Anderson (1 assist and 4 key passes), and Chris Wood (2 goals) will be crucial. 

Injury and Changes 

Danilo is still out for the visitors ahead of a tough trip to Liverpool on Saturday, so Forest could field the same starting lineup as against Wolves.

Nottingham Starting Lineup -  Sels (GK), Aina, Milenkovic, Williams, Murillo( Defenders); Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White (Midfielders); Wood, Hudson-Odoi, Elanga (Forwards) 

LIVERPOOL FC vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC
Winning Prediction

Nottingham has been consistent this season. However, they have yet to meet a team from the top half of the table from the previous season. Furthermore, visiting Anfield is not easy for anyone, let alone a team that has never won there. Furthermore, the Trees will be without Danilo, who suffered a catastrophic injury early in the season. His absence may be felt in the middle, where they need consistency and resilience against a team like Liverpool.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has won four of their past five games against Nottingham Forest and is on track for four wins in a row this season. As a result, most betting sites predict a Liverpool victory.  

Liverpool to Win (2-0)

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