Prematch: Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
“We won’t stop believing.” Cooper hopes to inspire Forest to a league double over Liverpool.
Published: April 20, 2023 23:10
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Liverpool FC secured their first victory in five Premier League matches to get back into contention for a top-six finish, taking down Nottingham Forest along the way. Kickoff for Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest takes place Saturday, April 22 at Anfield at 15:00 (GMT+1), under referee Michael Oliver with VAR Paul Tierney acting.
Liverpool Overpower Leeds United with Six-Goal Win, Closing Gap on Top-Six Teams with 23 Home Match Streak Against Nottingham Forest
Liverpool overpowered Leeds United last Monday in a 6-I win – their first in five matches according to LLDDW. Mohamed Salah [39′, 64′], Diogo Jota [52′ 73′], and Darwin Nunez came off the bench for their two goals each – as Liverpool left Leeds with 11 goals conceded across both games! Even with their victory, Liverpool remain in eighth place with 47 points [13W, 8D and 9L], although they managed to close the gap on top-six teams by six points. A win against Forest could move Liverpool even closer towards making up three of those six places in Section 4. Liverpool have won their last 23 home matches against Nottingham Forest [18 wins, 5 draws and no defeats] while only losing once out of their 37 league home games against them [27 wins, 9 draws and one defeat]. Since a 2-0 loss against Forest in February 1969 they are looking to remain unbeaten against them at Anfield. Klopp may utilise his signature 4–3–3 formation with Cody Gakpo, Salah and Diogo Jota set to spearhead attack for once again, with Darwin Nunez set for off-the-bench appearance after doing so in consecutive games. Liverpool recently abandoned their interest in signing Jude Bellingham despite an evident need to add fresh midfield depth, yet recent reports indicate Bayern midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could make his move in the summer transfer window to Liverpool. Ryan Gravenberch made himself unavailable for Wednesday’s UCL 1-1 draw with Manchester City but could soon join Liverpool after sitting out all 90 minutes of Wednesday’s match as well.
Nottingham Forest Aim to Overcome Adversity and Pull Off Unexpected League Double vs Liverpool at Anfield
Forest have suffered three consecutive defeats since beating Manchester United 2-0 last weekend (LDLL), yet remain in 18th position with 27 points [6W, 9D & 16L] ahead of this weekend’s fixture. Nottingham Forest are hoping to complete an unlikely league double over Liverpool after they defeated them by one goal in the reverse fixture 1-0. Forest’s last victory at Anfield came back in 1962/63 and “playing Liverpool at Anfield is different,” as Steve Cooper noted during a pre-match press conference. “Once we stop believing we can win games, that’s when things become really challenging,” Cooper noted. He is expected to employ a 3–4-1–2 formation with Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson up top for attack; while an extensive injury list could leave five players out including Chris Wood and Willy Boly.
