Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Nine Changes for Liverpool’s Clash with Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction as Liverpool Face Nottingham Forest in Huge Clash

Who would have thought at the start of the season that a January clash with Nottingham Forest could be title-deciding? I certainly didn’t. Regardless, it’s a huge credit to both sides after such an incredible first half of the season, seeing both sides surpassing pre-season expectations.

Of course, the last meeting between these two sides was a tough on for Liverpool, with Forest grinding out a 1-0 victory at Anfield, which still stands as Arne Slot’s only Premier League defeat as Reds boss.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how we think the Dutchman will set up the team for tonight’s clash…

Return to Full Strength

After the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley on Saturday, it’s crucial that Liverpool return to a full strength lineup for this clash against the most in-form side in Europe at the moment.

Alisson Becker will come in for Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, whilst Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate will both return to the starting lineup too.

Photo: IMAGO

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the only one to stay in the side at right-back, whilst Andy Robertson will come back in for Kostas Tsimikas on the opposite side.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Two Changes in Midfield

Both Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will come back into the side as the double pivot. The midfield duo have been incredible this season and hopefully can continue that off the back of a much-needed rest at the weekend.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai will stay in the side as the most advanced midfielder after returning to the side at the weekend after a few games on the sidelines through illness and suspension. The likes of Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott will all provide depth from the bench.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai

Return of the Front Three

Slot has plenty of options in the front-line, with Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota both getting on the scoresheet at the weekend. The head coach even hinted at Jota being fit enough to play a full 90 minutes, however I think a start against Brentford at the weekend is more likely.

Photo: IMAGO

Mohamed Salah will of course start on the right-wing, whilst Cody Gakpo will come back into the side on the opposite flank. Luis Diaz will be deployed as a false-nine once again against a Forest defence that are lacking slightly in pace, despite their incredible performances.

Verdict: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Nunez, Jota