Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Andoni Iraola Faces His First Major Anfield Test | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 29 May 2026

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 12:30 GMT

After a tricky opening game away to Newcastle where a fortunate point was gained due to a last-gasp penalty, the summer transfer window edges towards closure with Bradley Barcola seemingly nearing completion, though not in time to make this matchday squad. The defensive midfield, right back and right wing positions remain unsatisfied with only hours remaining to recruit.

The second outing of this term sees the Merseyside giants entertain a Nottingham Forest team now marshalled by the excellent coach and tactician, Oliver Glasner. With a new system, some superb new parts, and a steward who seems destined to join the management top table, this is not just a game that catches the eye of the nation, but a duel between two new coaches in new settings, desperate to prove their respective worth.

Liverpool: Iraola Needs Answers Quickly

Liverpool’s opening-day draw at Newcastle exposed several of the issues that remain within this newly constructed side.

The attacking intent was encouraging. Twenty-seven shots demonstrated a willingness to take the game to Newcastle, while the introduction of Víctor Muñoz provided another glimpse of the pace and directness that Andoni Iraola wants to bring to Anfield.

But the defensive structure was nowhere near good enough.

The absence of a genuine defensive midfielder was glaring, particularly whenever Newcastle transitioned quickly. Liverpool’s attacking full-backs also left space that opponents could exploit, meaning the balance between attacking ambition and defensive security remains one of the biggest questions facing the new manager.

That makes this meeting with Forest particularly intriguing.

Iraola will know that his team cannot continue conceding opportunities in the same manner if Liverpool are serious about challenging towards the top of the Premier League. The opening-day draw was rescued by a late penalty, but relying upon moments of fortune cannot become a recurring theme.

Florian Wirtz will again be expected to provide creativity from the number 10 position, although his first competitive appearance for Liverpool was frustratingly inconsistent. Alexander Isak will want more service after being starved of meaningful opportunities against his former club, while Cody Gakpo must provide far more than he did in the opening fixture. This could be his last game and may want to depart with a splash.

The potential arrival of Barcola would add another explosive attacking option, but he will not be available here.

That means the current players must deliver.

Víctor Muñoz could take his place in the starting lineup after making such an immediate impact from the bench at Newcastle, while Rio Ngumoha remains another exciting option capable of providing pace and unpredictability, ghough should perhaps kove back to the bench.

Liverpool need their attacking players to start developing relationships.

This is still a new team. But there is only so much time available to establish an identity.

Nottingham Forest: Glasner Has a Point to Prove

Forest arrive at Anfield with their own new era underway.

Oliver Glasner is an outstanding tactician and represents a fascinating appointment for a club attempting to establish itself among the Premier League’s ambitious challengers. His teams are usually aggressive, disciplined and capable of exploiting weaknesses quickly.

That could make this a particularly uncomfortable afternoon for Liverpool.

Forest will not be intimidated by possession statistics or Liverpool’s reputation. They will look to disrupt the Reds’ rhythm, compete physically in midfield and attack the spaces left behind Liverpool’s advancing full-backs.

That is exactly where Newcastle caused problems.

If Liverpool repeat those mistakes, Forest have the organisation and quality to punish them.

Glasner will also relish the opportunity to measure his own ideas against Iraola. Both coaches have reputations for demanding enormous physical commitment from their players, although their tactical approaches are different enough to make this an intriguing contest.

Liverpool will have the advantage of Anfield and the expectation that comes with being the home side.

But Forest will arrive with confidence.

And if they can survive the opening stages, the pressure could quickly transfer onto Liverpool.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)

Final Word

This feels like an important early examination of what Liverpool are becoming under Iraola.

The opening draw at Newcastle encouraged an attacking approach but highlighted major defensive concerns. The new manager now needs to demonstrate that he can make adjustments quickly and establish a structure capable of controlling matches rather than simply reacting to them.

Forest will provide a serious test.

Glasner will arrive with a clear tactical plan, and Liverpool cannot afford another afternoon where their midfield is overrun whenever possession changes hands.

The transfer window may be closing, but the work on the pitch is only beginning.

Barcola may soon arrive. A defensive midfielder may still be recruited. A new right-back may eventually be required. But until those changes happen, Iraola must find solutions with the players available to him.

Anfield will expect a response.

This is the type of fixture Liverpool must win if they are to establish themselves as genuine contenders again.

Three points would provide momentum. Another draw would raise questions. A defeat would create immediate pressure. The new era has started.

Now Liverpool need to show that it is heading somewhere.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest