Starting XI Prediction: Two Changes as Liverpool Face Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: Full Strength or Rotation Ahead of AC Milan?

After another devastatingly boring international break, Liverpool are finally back in action this weekend as they begin their insane schedule of seven games in 22 days. Saturday’s game sees the Reds host Nottingham Forest in matchday four of the Premier League at Anfield, with Arne Slot’s men aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season.

On paper, Liverpool should dispatch of Forest pretty comfortably but it is also important to note that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are one of the seven teams yet to lose a game this season so could prove to be tricky opposition. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at who we expect to make Liverpool’s starting eleven with a crucial game against AC Milan also on the horizon…

Slot’s Strong Defence

I expect Slot to name an unchanged back line for the third consecutive game with Alisson Becker of course remaining in between the sticks. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have both started the season strongly and will partner each other at full-back once again. There has been some suggestions that Trent could be rested for Connor Bradley in this one, but I suspect Slot might be eyeing the Bournemouth game next weekend to do this.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side as expected and will once again be joined by Ibou Konate who has had an immense start to the season. Some speculated whether Jarell Quansah would be reinstated to the defence, however with an aerial battle likely with Forest’s Chris Wood, Konate will be preferred for this one.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Curtis Jones’ Return?

Slot faces a crucial decision in midfield with the fitness of Alexis Mac Allister coming under serious scrutiny during the international break. I expect the Argentine to miss out on Saturday’s game, more as a precaution than anything else. The returning Curtis Jones will take his place in the midfield alongside the in-form Ryan Gravenberch.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai will keep his place as the more advanced midfielder with the Hungarian being another player seemingly benefitting from Slot’s system and tactics. Harvey Elliott is missing for this one after fracturing his foot on international duty.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Chiesa’s Debut?

The question on every supporter’s lips going into Saturday’s game will be whether we will see Federico Chiesa make his Liverpool debut. Although I don’t expect to see the Italian in the starting lineup, there is still a chance he could be named on the bench. Mohamed Salah will start on the right-wing, but I’d be very surprised if the Egyptian King played the full 90 minutes, so that could open the door for a Chiesa debut.

X: @LFC

Darwin Nunez will come in for Diogo Jota, purely as some rotation with the Uruguayan not featuring during the international duty due to his suspension. Luis Diaz will go again on the left-hand side but again I expect a lot of action from the bench in this game.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Gomez, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Gakpo, Chiesa, Jota