Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in a competitive fixture on August 29, as Nottingham Forest travel to Merseyside.
Reds Chasing First League Win After Narrow Escape
Andoni Iraola avoided defeat in his first match in charge of Liverpool last weekend, when a late penalty rescued a point against Newcastle. However, it would be a concern for the Spaniard that the balance in midfield looked wrong, with the Magpies scoring both of their goals following fast breaks through the middle of the field.
Florian Wirtz was ineffective in the number ten role, and he has now failed to score or assist in his previous four competitive appearances for the Reds. Dominik Szoboszlai
Is set to be pushed further afield after registering six goal involvements in his last seven appearances.
Cody Gakpo is doubtful to feature, as he is reportedly set to leave Liverpool. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are out due to injury.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Ngumoah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak
Glasner Searching For Positive Response
Oliver Glasner’s first match in charge of Nottingham Forest ended in a 1-0 home loss against Leeds United.
His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation had a negative impact on key Forest forward, with Morgan Gibbs-White struggling on MD1. The England international didn’t create a single chance. Chris Wood will return to the starting eleven after scoring once in his last two starts since the World Cup.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also fit enough to return to the starting eleven. However, Nicolo Savona and Ryan Yates will be unavailable due to injury.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Sels; Murillo, Milenkovic, Diomande; Aina, McAtee, Sangare, Netz; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
- Safe Tip: Liverpool
- Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: N69TD
- Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Key stats:
- Liverpool have avoided defeat in five of their seven fixtures under Iraola, scoring at least twice in the previous two.
- Tricky Trees have suffered losses in four of their latest six games.
- The Reds won five of their seven encounters against Forest at Anfield.
The stage looks set for Iraola to kick off his home campaign with a win at Liverpool. The Reds have been excellent under the Spaniard in an attacking sense, winning five of their seven fixtures and scoring at least twice in back-to-back encounters against Como and Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest are yet to fully adapt to Glasner’s style of play, with last weekend’s loss being their fourth in their previous six. The head-to-head trends also support the hosts, with Liverpool winning five of their latest seven against Tricky Trees at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Both Teams Not To Score
- Odds: 2.066 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: F5C7D
Getting a win on the board will be the primary aim for Iraola this weekend, meaning that Liverpool may play a more professional game to restrict any chances Forest will have on the counterattack.
This could lead to a low-scoring game, with BTTS - No being a value selection at 2.066.
This has been a winning selection in five of the last six head-to-head meetings between the sides in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning three of the encounters over that period without conceding.
It is also noteworthy that Forest have failed to score in three of their recent five matches under Glasner.
Verdict: Liverpool (1.49) — Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest
