Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Predicted Reds line-up for crucial game

Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, fresh from their 6-1 demolition of Leeds United on Monday. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side, who hadn’t won in their five previous matches across all competitions, cruised to victory at Elland Road.

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both scored braces, while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez were also on the scoresheet.

The form of his forwards will undoubtedly give Klopp plenty to think about ahead of the game against struggling Forest, and here we predict the XI that the German will select.

Goalkeeper

Alisson has been an ever-present between the sticks in the Premier League for The Reds this season, and the Brazilian looks set to continue for this one. Second choice ‘keeper Caoimhin Kelleher hasn’t featured in the league this term, and will likely have to wait a little longer for his first league appearance of the season.

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided two assists during the win against Leeds on Monday and looks to be on course to return to his finest form. The England international will continue at right-back, although he has been encouraged to roam forward more often of late.

Alexander-Arnold provided two assists against Leeds on Monday

At centre-back, Ibrahima Konate looks set to partner Virgil van Dijk. The former was partly at fault for Leeds’ goal on Monday, but later atoned for his error with a crucial block to deny Jack Harrison. Van Dijk, meanwhile, hasn’t been at his best this season and will be keen to finish the season strongly. Joel Matip will likely be on the bench once again.

At left-back, Andy Robertson is set to make a seventh consecutive league appearance. Like many of his teammates, the Scot has struggled for form this season, but Klopp will be relying on him to help his side finish the campaign strongly.

Midfielders

In midfield, Klopp could name an unchanged trio of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Curtis Jones. The three all started the win over The Whites last time out and impressed, and Klopp may therefore choose to start them once again.

Henderson looks likely to captain Liverpool against Forest on Saturday

Fabinho has only missed two league matches so far this season, and could reach 150 appearances in the competition by the end of the current campaign.

Thiago Alcantara and James Milner, who were both substituted on against Leeds, will likely be on the bench again.

Forwards

Klopp will have plenty to think about when selecting his front line, with four of his crop of attacking talent having scored last time out.

Mohamed Salah is certain to start following his brace against Leeds. The Egyptian has 15 goals in 30 Premier League matches so far this season, and will be hopeful of adding to that tally against a struggling Forest side.

Salah has now scored 182 goals for Liverpool

Darwin Nunez was substituted on and scored against Leeds, and could force his way into the starting line-up for this one. The Uruguay international has enjoyed a successful debut season in England, netting 15 times in 37 games across all competitions.

Cody Gakpo could drop out to make way for Nunez, which would mean Diogo Jota could make a fifth consecutive start. The Portugal international scored his first two goals of the season on Monday, having missed a number of weeks due to injury.

Roberto Firmino, who is nearing the end of his time at Anfield, is likely to be named as a substitute and could be introduced late on.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Jota