Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Match Preview and Tips: A Test of Momentum at Anfield
Is there a perfect start to a coach’s Premier League campaign? Arne Slot comes close, by winning his first three games in the league and getting an imposing 3-0 win against bitter rivals at Old Trafford.
So with Liverpool hosting Nottingham Forest at Anfield, all eyes are on The Reds to continue their winning streak in their new era. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, despite a solid start, will seek to secure a more positive result following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Quick Stats Zone
Here are some quick statistics and trends to keep in mind when watching the game
- Liverpool has won 3 consecutive games against Nottingham Forest and they were the first to score in 4/5 games in this encounter
- Nottingham Forest leads the Premier League in the total number of shots (53) with Liverpool coming in second with 48 total shots, but Nottingham Forest have 5 more shots on target (21)
- Mohamed Salah is ranked 2 in big chances created in the Premier League (4) and ranked 1st in Non-Penalty Goals + Assists per 90 minutes, with 2,06
Liverpool’s Dominance So Far
Liverpool under Arne Slot have been exceptional in the opening stages of the season. They won all three of their games without conceding a goal, with their latest victory coming against Manchester United.
How did they manage it? They were exceptional in capitalizing on individual mistakes, such as Casemiro or Mainoo giving the ball away in midfield, and taking advantage of Erik ten Hag’s build-up shape with fullbacks positioned extremely high, which left United uncovered in case they made mistakes. And they did do quite a lot of them.
Slot’s Liverpool is built around the traditional setup of 4-3-3. It has brought forward a rejuvenated Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, both instrumental against United. Diaz scored a brace while Salah added a goal to his two assists, continuing his incredible form against Liverpool’s historic rivals. Liverpool’s was the definition of clinical finishing as all of their three shots on target found the back of the net and they generated an xG of 1,73.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are two names that have played a key role in the team’s success at the beginning of this season, setting play and creating room for the attackers to shine. Gravenberch was especially great (3 progressive carries and 4 progressive passes), with perfect runs into space, driving the ball forward and making things happen
Leading the defence, Virgil van Dijk has been robust, and Alisson Becker was looking assured as usual. Virgil van Dijk’s aerial performance was impressive so far, winning an average of 3.67 aerial duels per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League. Liverpool have now kept 3 consecutive clean sheets and are unbeaten for 270 minutes.
Nottingham Forest’s Frustrations
Nottingham Forest come into this fixture on the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw against Wolves at the City Ground. How did the game go? From an aggressive start to a dramatic finish.
Caught by surprise early on by Matheus Cunha’s through ball for Rayan Ait Nouri’s sprint down the left wing who managed to beat Sels only to be denied by the rush of Forest’s defenders, Forest rebounded through Chris Wood, who scored with a free header. Two minutes later, Bellegarde equalized with a screamer from the edge of the box.
Forest was the better team after the break, with three shots on target from a total of 10. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton didn’t have a shot on target during the second half. Forest was close to winning all three points in the 78th minute, but after review, the goal was disallowed for an offside.
Forest’s start to the season has been solid, and they remain unbeaten, but this match will represent a significant step up in class. Their xG of 1.16 against Wolves highlights that they are creating chances, but Wood’s inability to convert in crucial moments has cost them. Forest’s possession share of 51.8% against Wolves was a promising sign of their growing confidence on the ball, but they will need to be more clinical and efficient if they are to stand a chance at Anfield.
Key Tactical Matchups
One of the most important aspects of this match will be how Forest’s defence handles the relentless pressure from The Reds. They need to make confident and simple passes to break out, and not add to Liverpool’s 11 defensive actions in the attacking third. Forest will need to stay extremely organized. Especially, when facing Liverpool’s pace on the flanks. Salah, with three goal contributions in the last match, will once again be the focal point, and Forest’s full-backs will have their hands full trying to contain him and Diaz.
Forest’s center-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic will be crucial in dealing with Liverpool’s threat from set-pieces, as Liverpool have shown they can capitalize on aerial opportunities as Wood did against Wolves. And who is Liverpool’s biggest aerial threat? Virgil van Dijk, who will need to be closely marked during set pieces.
In midfield, Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson will need to be disciplined in possession and also not allow space for Gravenberch to make his runs. We saw against Manchester United that if you give Liverpool space, the will make use of it.
Betting Tips
Liverpool enters this fixture as heavy favourites, with OPTA giving them a 73,4% chance to come out on top, so here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Both Teams to Score – No: Liverpool have not conceded a goal in their first three Premier League games.
- Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime: Salah has scored two goals in three appearances against Nottingham Forest, and the Egyptian Archer looks like he is in great form so far
- Liverpool to Win to Nil: This one is pretty obvious, with Liverpool being the heavy favourites and in good form, with high morale and playing at home
Conclusions
All signs point to a comfortable victory for Liverpool. Their attack is firing on all cylinders, while their defense remains rock solid. Nottingham Forest, while resolute and hardworking, are likely to struggle to cope with the intensity Liverpool will bring, particularly at Anfield.
Expect Salah to continue his rich vein of form and for Liverpool’s midfield to dominate possession, forcing mistakes from a Forest side that might lack the firepower to challenge Slot’s well-oiled machine. A fourth consecutive clean sheet for Liverpool is on the cards, while their attacking trio is primed to extend their winning run.
You can also read about the other fixtures happening this weekend. Will Chelsea rebound against Bournemouth after a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace? Meanwhile, Manchester United want to forget about last week’s 0-3 loss and get a win against Southampton.
