Liverpool return to Anfield after the September international break for Arne Slot’s second competitive game in front of a home crowd against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Having won their opening three Premier League matches under the former Feyenoord boss at a relative canter, including a 3-0 win over Manchester United last time out, the Reds will be aiming to maintain their perfect record when Forest visit Merseyside.
With things going swimmingly for Slot, he will be reluctant to make changes from the side that dismantled Man Utd two weeks ago. However, he does have a few fitness concerns, including midfielder Harvey Elliott who has fractured his foot over the international period.
Here is how Liverpool might line up against Forest.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian kept another clean sheet on international duty to add to the three he’s claimed in 2024/25 already. Even in defensively sound displays, Alisson has still produced some characteristically important saves.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Having been utilised in his primary position for England by Lee Carsley, the Liverpool defender starred in the Three Lions’ recent 2-0 win over Finland. He’s started life under Slot in confident mood.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The centre-back came under criticism for his performance against Italy over the international break but he’s been flawless for Slot to date. His physicality will be tested by Forest forward Chris Wood on Saturday.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s skipper has led by example in the opening weeks of the campaign despite speculation over his future at the club. On current form, the Reds can’t afford to lose him for free next summer.
LB: Andy Robertson – After an injury-hit 2023/24, Robertson has been fit and firing for Slot in the early weeks of his reign. While yet to hit his lofty standards, he’s been solid defensively for Liverpool.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool supporters were dealt a scare when Mac Allister was withdrawn against Chile with injury during the international break. However, the Argentina midfielder was used as a substitute in the following game against Colombia and will feature this weekend.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Having adopted the number six role for club and country, Gravenberch is having an exceptional start to the season. The Dutchman has been wonderful in and out of possession at the base of midfield.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian put Man Utd to the sword again before the international break with a goal and two assists and he has been involved in six of Liverpool’s seven goals this term. He’s still the talisman up top.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – While not operating as a traditional number ten, Szoboszlai has made an encouraging start to 2024/25 after a difficult end to his debut campaign in England. No Liverpool player has created more chances (eight) than him this season.
LW: Luis Diaz – The end product has often been what’s missing from Diaz’s game but that has changed at the start of the new season. A brace against Man Utd followed up a goal and assist against Brentford.
ST: Diogo Jota – The Portuguese appears to have nailed down the number nine spot for the time being ahead of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. His work rate and intelligence makes him a constant menace in the final third.
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