Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Team News and Predicted XI

Liverpool return to Anfield this afternoon in a fixture that carries both opportunity and risk for Arne Slot, whose side continues to adapt during a demanding stretch of the Premier League season. With Nottingham Forest arriving determined to disrupt a title challenger, the focus naturally shifts to Liverpool and the evolving team news that will shape the contest.

Key Selection Calls in Defence

Slot enters this match knowing he must reorganise his defensive unit. Injuries have reduced his options and at least two changes are unavoidable from the team that featured at the Etihad. The right side of defence poses the biggest question and Slot openly outlined the dilemma earlier in the week.

“Curtis Jones played there last season. Joe Gomez can play there but Joe Gomez has played, I think if I’m correct, two times 90 minutes throughout the whole 2025 year. So, if we want to keep him available longer it’s maybe a bit of a risk to play him seven times in 22 days.

“He missed out on a training session yesterday by the way as well but we are expecting him to train today. [It’s] challenging but the good thing is we have still enough good players available and maybe one of them or two of them have to play in positions they usually don’t do. That’s what we have to accept.”

Those comments underline the delicate balancing act Liverpool must manage. Jones has experience filling in on the flank, Dominik Szoboszlai is another creative option and Gomez remains the most natural defensive fit, although his workload is being monitored carefully.

Midfield Shifts and Creative Adjustments

Another enforced change arrives in the attacking midfield trio. Florian Wirtz has been ruled out and Liverpool will be without his incisive movement between the lines. Cody Gakpo is the likely replacement and would bring a more direct, ball carrying threat drifting in from the left. His understanding with Mohamed Salah and Szoboszlai could help maintain fluency in the final third.

There is also added intrigue at the heart of midfield where Szoboszlai must avoid a booking to prevent suspension, something that could impact how aggressively Liverpool press Nottingham Forest’s build up. With Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister expected to anchor the midfield, the balance of industry and technique should remain intact.

Returning Faces Boost Liverpool

Liverpool do receive a significant lift with the return of Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper has recovered from a hamstring issue, has trained throughout the international break and is expected to reclaim his place from Giorgi Mamardashvili. Alisson’s presence is always influential and his distribution could help Liverpool accelerate transitions, especially against a Forest side likely to sit compact.

In attack, Alexander Isak is pushing to come in for Hugo Ekitike. The Swedish forward offers intelligent movement and sharp finishing, attributes that could be decisive in a fixture where Liverpool will aim to control territory and tempo from the first whistle. Andy Robertson, who missed Thursday’s training session, is also expected to start which stabilises the left side of the back four.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup

Liverpool XI, 4,2,3,1: Alisson, Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Isak.

Injured: Wirtz, Bradley, Frimpong, Leoni.

Kick off is set for 3pm GMT at Anfield where Liverpool look to reinforce their title credentials and manage the latest twists in their ongoing team news narrative.