Liverpool is set to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend, and the outcome of the game may hinge on critical battles on the flanks.
Jurgen Klopp’s team secured a 2-0 victory over Everton in their most recent league match before their success in the Europa League against Toulouse, with a busy schedule of matches ahead.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixture involves hosting Forest at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, a fixture in which the Reds narrowly triumphed 3-2 in the corresponding match last season.
Currently, Steve Cooper’s squad is positioned 15th in the Premier League table, marked by a series of mixed results. A home win is imperative for Liverpool in the context of the title race.
Are you satisfied with Nottingham Forest’s performance this season?
The recent draw against Luton, despite holding a 2-0 lead, was somewhat of a nightmare. If Nottingham had secured those two points, they would have been in 11th place, a commendable achievement, especially given their performances against top clubs on the road. Nonetheless, there’s room for improvement in home matches against lower-ranked teams, which certainly doesn’t describe this upcoming game.
Do you have confidence in their ability to retain their Premier League status?
Absolutely. The three newly promoted teams and Bournemouth are currently grappling with their form. Even Everton doesn’t appear particularly formidable, and there’s a possibility that Wolves and Fulham may slide down the table. This season essentially comprises two tiers: the top six or seven clubs, including Brighton, Villa, and West Ham, aiming to challenge for the top, and the rest of the teams.
Who are the standout players for Forest this season?
Taiwo Awoniyi would be a key player, but he’s currently sidelined due to injury. Beyond him, Ibrahim Sangare arrived with a significant price tag but has yet to shine. While Morgan Gibbs-White hasn’t quite reached the heights of his previous season, he remains a promising talent.
What’s one aspect you’d change about Forest?
We face a shortage of attacking depth after the departure of Brennan Johnson. With Callum Hudson-Odoi and Awoniyi both injured, as well as Divock Origi (we could use his Liverpool form when he’s fit), the responsibility falls on Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Chris Wood to deliver. Acquiring a winger would be a valuable addition.
What’s your perspective on VAR? Are you in favor of it?
VAR continues to be susceptible to human error, with every team experiencing questionable decisions, making it not significantly better than the previous system. While it has improved the handling of offside situations and, to some extent, handballs, it still relies on human judgment, which has been less than satisfactory this season.
If you could have any Liverpool player at Forest right now, who would it be?
Most people would likely mention Mo Salah, so to offer a different choice and avoid being predictable, Forest lacks depth in the winger position, with only Hudson-Odoi and Elanga in the squad. Therefore, if Salah is unavailable, Luis Diaz would be an excellent option, or we could request Diogo Jota to play as a wide left player.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match, where do you anticipate the key battles will occur?
One crucial battle to watch will be Salah against Harry Toffolo. While Toffolo has been impressive for Forest, he is arguably their third-choice left-back. On the other flank, Serge Aurier will need to step up against Diaz. However, I believe Forest will give Liverpool a tough challenge in midfield and hold their ground there. The matchup between Murillo and Darwin Nunez will be intriguing if the Reds’ striker is in the starting lineup.
In conclusion, what is your prediction for the match?
I fully anticipate Liverpool to emerge victorious, but Forest has displayed strength in away matches. Therefore, I predict a 2-0 or 2-1 victory in favor of the Reds.
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