Liverpool enters their match against Nottingham Forest this weekend in excellent form following their decisive victory in the Europa League midweek and their facile victory in the Merseyside Derby.
One of the greatest assets in sports is unquestionably momentum, and Liverpool has it coming into their matchup with Nottingham Forest in fifteenth place.
In the meantime, Forest blew a two-goal lead against Luton in their most recent match, while Liverpool won their last two games, both of which were played at Anfield.
Amidst a minor injury issue, Forest is also facing exclusions from the match, including Callum Hudson-Odoi, Gonzalo Montiel, and Liverpool legend Divock Origi. Nuno Tavares and club icon Taiwo Awoniyi are also doubtful.
However, no game is guaranteed, so Liverpool will still need to play well if they want to win the three points. After all, Forest defeated Jurgen Klopp’s team in the previous season.
Here are some of the major skirmishes that could determine the game if the Reds win on Sunday afternoon.
LUIS DIAZ VS SERGE AURIER
On Sunday afternoon, Luis Diaz is nearly a lock to start on the left side. The Colombian trickster for Liverpool, who has made a name for himself on the wing in Premier League games, was given a complete rest against Toulouse midweek.
Since recovering from his long-term injury earlier this year, Diaz has formed a good connection with the club’s other attackers, particularly Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. His dynamism and willingness to take on men provide the Reds an unpredictable attacking force.
Since he can fool right-backs in the league, like Ashley Young did last weekend, Aurier will have a difficult time stopping Liverpool’s new number seven.
But the former Porto player is overdue for a contribution as he hasn’t scored or assisted in the league since August.
IBRAHIMA KONATE VS CHRIS WOOD
Before the injury to the Nigerian, Chris Wood would have been an improbable starter because Awoniyi, a former Liverpool player, has been scoring goals so frequently this season.
Wood is most likely to start at the front of the line after scoring a brace against Luton the previous Saturday, and Awoniyi is still doubtful to play against Klopp’s team.
The target player from New Zealand will be looking to overcome Liverpool’s defence and record another goal.
Despite his lack of a goal in his 12 outings across all competitions against Liverpool, Wood is unquestionably a formidable offensive force.
The Reds have the height and muscle to handle aerial confrontations in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but they must be careful not to draw attention to themselves and commit fouls.
In particular, Konate came dangerously close to being sent off against Everton, and Forest would want to focus on his sporadic recklessness as Liverpool looks to avoid picking up their sixth red card of the year.
When Trent Alexander-Arnold is pulled into midfield, Konate will have to cover out wide and deal with the Forest wingers, which will make it more difficult to keep him out of referee Chris Kavanagh’s small book.
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI VS IBRAHIM SANGARE
Liverpool’s latest style Compared to the older, weaker midfield they were fielding at the conclusion of the previous season, their midfield is completely different. The signing of Dominik Szoboszlai has also played a significant role in the Reds’ ability to dominate games from the middle of the pitch.
The new number eight for the team is a total asset; not only is he highly technical and a fantastic ball passer, but he also has feet like traction engines and doesn’t mind doing the menial tasks.
The Hungarian captain has not registered an assist since joining the Reds, which is absurd given the abundance of opportunities he has created.
Nonetheless, this is a fantastic opportunity for the 22-year-old to get his first assist and make headlines against a depleted Forest team.
Ibrahim Sangare, one of Forest’s own midfield summer singings, will be attempting to prevent Szoboszlai from thriving in his right-sided number eight position.
The naturally defensive midfielder (one of hundreds linked with Liverpool over the summer) will certainly have a tough time keeping Liverpool’s number eight quiet, but even if he does, the Reds often overload their creativity on the right-hand side with Alexander-Arnold and Salah, so it’s hard to see Liverpool’s right flank not having an impact on this game.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD VS ANTHONY ELANGA
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold, the vice captain of the Reds must exercise caution to avoid being defensively complacent on Sunday, as the hosts are expected to possess the majority of the ball.
Having moved from Manchester United in the summer, 21-year-old Swedish forward Anthony Elanga has been one of Forest’s top players thus far this season.
The winger has outperformed players like Morgan Gibbs-White at Steve Cooper’s team in 2023–2024 with three assists (including two against Luton last time out) and a goal in the Premier League.
If he’s fit, Elanga will be aiming to take advantage of space in behind on the counter, but Alexander-Arnold should have plenty of time on the ball to prowl the right side. After experiencing a medical issue, manager Steve Cooper stated at the pre-game news conference that the winger was questionable for the encounter.
Liverpool’s number 66 has been excellent lately, outperforming opponents with defensive prowess against Everton and Brighton. The Reds’ modified strategy does, however, still leave them vulnerable to sporadic positioning lapses.
When it comes to stopping attacks and defending the area when necessary, Konate’s position on the right side of defence will be crucial.