Liverpool’s Starting XI Against Forest: Big Hitters to Return?

With three wins and a trophy in the past week, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side seem to be riding a wave at the moment. Whether it’s Klopp’s seasoned pros or his young academy prospects, they seem to be getting the job done regardless.

Liverpool will need to do the same as they look to keep their Premier League title pursuit on track, as they face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. A victory for the Reds could provisionally move them four points clear of Man City ahead of the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

That being said, Liverpool still have a very tricky list of absentees that Klopp will be without for this trip to the City Ground. Klopp will be without Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota.

Late fitness checks will be done to determine whether Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai can participate.

Strength in Numbers

Despite the injuries to Alisson, Alexander-Arnold and Matip, Jurgen Klopp’s defence is perhaps his most covered position. Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal after two clean sheets against Chelsea and Southampton. The Irishman will undoubtedly be looking to carry on his impressive run of form.

Andy Robertson will also definitely come back into the side at left-back and will likely be partnered by Conor Bradley on the other side. Virgil van Dijk and Ibou Konate will also be reunited at the heart of the defence, whilst Jarrell Quansah comes out of the side.

The likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez and Quansah will more than likely be utilised in Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Sparta Prague next Thursday.

Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

Wataru’s Return

The news surrounding Wataru Endo’s recent knock seems largely positive, which suggests he will be fit enough to start on Saturday. Alexis Mac Allister will be one of Endo’s midfield partners, but the other is a bit more complex.

It’s hard to see Harvey Elliott go again, having played 200 minutes in the past four days. Therefore, Bobby Clark could be in line to start once again in Liverpool’s midfield after another impressive performance on Wednesday.

Elliott will join the likes of James McConnell and the returning Dominik Szoboszlai on the bench.

Verdict: Endo, Mac Allister, Clark

Salah and Nunez’s Return

Another massively important return to the starting lineup could be on the cards, as I sense that Mo Salah could make the starting eleven. With the precautions surrounding Elliott, Salah could be thrown straight back in.

However, I don’t think it will be the same for Darwin Nunez as I expect Cody Gakpo to get one more chance to correct his recent poor form. Luis Diaz is expected to come back into the lineup on the left-hand-side after having the night off on Wednesday.

That would leave Nunez, Danns and Koumas as potential options from the bench.

Verdict: Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Endo, Mac Allister, Clark, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Bench: Adrian, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas, McConnell, Szoboszlai, Koumas, Danns, Nunez