Liverpool are preparing for a huge Premier League showdown with Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, and all eyes are on the starting XI Andoni Iraola could select for his first competitive home game in charge. 🏟️🔥
The Reds opened the campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United, salvaging a point through a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty. Now, Liverpool are desperate to turn that promising but frustrating performance into their first Premier League victory of the season.
And the predicted lineup is already getting fans talking! 👀
🧤 GOALKEEPER
Alisson Becker is expected to retain his place between the posts, with Liverpool relying on his experience and shot-stopping ability in what could be another demanding afternoon.
🛡️ DEFENCE
Jeremie Frimpong could continue at right-back, with young defender Jeremy Jacquet potentially partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence. Milos Kerkez is expected to operate on the left.
Jacquet keeping his place would be another major sign of Iraola’s willingness to trust youth, particularly with Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni dealing with injury issues.
⚙️ MIDFIELD
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to anchor the midfield, providing the energy, pressing and creativity needed to control the tempo.
Szoboszlai will be particularly important after stepping up dramatically in the opening fixture, while Gravenberch’s ability to carry the ball could be crucial against a Forest side expected to threaten on the counter. 🔥
🎯 ATTACK
This is where things get VERY interesting! 😮💨🔥
Florian Wirtz is expected to continue in the No.10 role, operating behind Alexander Isak, while Cody Gakpo could feature from the left.
Victor Munoz is also pushing for a starting spot after making an impact from the bench against Newcastle, although some predictions have Rio Ngumoha retaining his position on the right.
The biggest headline remains Alexander Isak leading the line. The £125 million striker is under enormous expectation following his arrival, and supporters will be hoping Anfield witnesses his first truly explosive Liverpool performance. 💥🔴
🚨 POSSIBLE LIVERPOOL XI:
🧤 Alisson
🛡️ Frimpong – Jacquet – Van Dijk – Kerkez
⚙️ Szoboszlai – Gravenberch
⚡ Munoz – Wirtz – Gakpo
🎯 Isak
There is also a fascinating subplot surrounding Liverpool’s attack. Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined while Federico Chiesa has been listed as a doubt, limiting Iraola’s attacking options. Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a major deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, although he is not expected to feature against Forest because of registration timing.
Forest, meanwhile, will arrive at Anfield with their own weapons. Their new £45 million signing Liam Delap could make his debut, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams remain doubts.
Liverpool cannot afford another slow start. Iraola needs his players to bring intensity, creativity and ruthless finishing from the opening whistle. 🔥
With a new manager, a new-look attack and Isak leading the charge, Anfield could be in for a serious statement night! 😍🔴🔥
Liverpool fans, would you start this XI against Nottingham Forest? 👀👇
