Nottingham Forest will miss one player against Liverpool, while Arne Slot aims to extend his lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arne Slot is still feeling the sting from his earlier loss to Nottingham Forest this season. That was his only Premier League defeat so far, and it’s been a bit of a running joke. But looking back, those dropped points don’t seem so bad now, especially with Nuno Espirito Santo leading a surprising title challenge.
The stakes are high for Slot. Winning today would not only help him bounce back but also give him a solid lead over Forest with a game in hand. He’s got key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk rested from the FA Cup, so he’s feeling optimistic.
However, there’s a bit of a hiccup with Joe Gomez out due to injury. He got hurt just as Ibrahima Konate returned, which was lucky timing. The defense is a bit stretched, with Wataru Endo stepping in alongside Jarell Quansah in the cup to give the regulars a breather.
Darwin Nunez is also out due to suspension after racking up five yellow cards. But what about Nottingham Forest? They’ve been pretty lucky with injuries, missing just one player for the match against Liverpool.
That player is Ibrahim Sangare, who was once linked to Liverpool himself. He might be close to returning, but they’re being cautious with him after a long injury layoff. If he’s out, Forest will likely lean on Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Dominguez, and Morgan Gibbs-White. Ryan Yates or even James Ward-Prowse could also step in.
Slot mentioned in his press conference that Nottingham Forest has been investing in their squad lately, which has contributed to their success. Their depth is definitely a strong point.
Espirito Santo is having an incredible season, and Liverpool will need to find a way to slow down Forest’s momentum. It’s important to recognize Nottingham Forest’s efforts. They’ve spent money and been lucky with injuries, but those are just parts of the bigger picture in the title race.
Both managers know this is a serious test. They can’t take Forest lightly, as they’ve earned their spot in the league. It’s great that this match will come down to skill and strategy, with both teams having rested players recently. Fans can expect a high-quality game today.
