Do you have got that itch too? Arne Slot‘s Liverpool have been out of the limelight for the previous two weeks with the worldwide break following the beating that the Reds gave Manchester United at first of the month.

The primary worldwide pause of the 2024/25 marketing campaign has labored its injury-hitting magic on Liverpool’s squad, who welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield within the Premier League as they give the impression of being to maintain tempo with imperious Manchester Metropolis, with Saturday’s opponents but to lose within the prime flight (one win, two attracts).

Alexis Mac Allister’s precautionary withdrawal from Argentina’s beginning lineup towards Chile earlier this week should not spell doom for the influential midfielder, however Harvey Elliott is sentenced to 6 weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his foot.

Federico Chiesa will definitely have an itch: he’ll hope to make his first look since signing from Juventus in a deal price £12.5m in the summertime, however it’s unlikely that Slot will throw him straight into the beginning line-up.

The Dutch tactician might make three adjustments although, with the motion coming thick and quick over the approaching weeks. This is what we expect…

1

GK – Alisson Becker

Alisson begins. Liverpool’s steely shot-stopper not too long ago revealed that he rejected curiosity from the Saudi Professional League this summer season and appears ahead to difficult for extra success on the membership.

He is the most effective within the enterprise, if not the finest, and he is stored three clear sheets from three matches this yr. It took him ten video games to attain that final time period.

2

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

The English nationwide group seems to be waking up, lastly, and recognising the expertise of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who’s greater than able to acting at right-back, since he’s arguably the very best right-back on the earth.

He is been wonderful to start out the season off, displaying prodigious passing and unmatched affect. However wait, what’s this? Alexander-Arnold has additionally received 60% of his floor duels this season, as per Sofascore – maybe he is truly alright, Liverpool’s vice-captain.

3

CB – Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah has been sat on the bench since he was hooked at half-time towards Ipswich City on the opening day. The newly-promoted facet makes an attempt to place the Reds to the sword on the opening day and Slot felt change was obligatory. He was proper, for Liverpool received 2-0.

Ibrahima Konate will step again for this one although, with AC Milan looming on Tuesday night time. Quansah, hailed as an “absolute monster” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, shall be greater than as much as the duty.

4

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool’s captain nonetheless begin, and barring something dreadful, will proceed to take action all through the membership’s upcoming glut of video games.

Virgil van Dijk is the very best, and his aerial dominance shall be important towards a meaty Nottingham Forest outfit.

5

LB – Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson did have his detractors final season however he was struggling to shake a shoulder harm that dominated him out by the later months of 2023.

The Scotland captain has began nicely this time period and ranks among the many prime 1% of full-backs throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues over the previous yr for shot-creating actions (5.11), the highest 2% for passes tried (85.75) and the highest 3% for progressive passes (7.06) per 90, as per FBref, so he is nicely suited to Slot’s model.

6

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool did get themselves a brand new quantity six this summer season, truly, and his title is Ryan Gravenberch. The Netherlands worldwide has been a revelation within the deep-lying function, so press-resistant and sharp.

He blew Previous Trafford away, silenced the devils. Gravenberch, 22, has lengthy been recognised as a participant with the trimmings of elite-level high quality, however he lacked self-discipline, roundedness. He is batting away his detractors and can reprise his anchoring function towards Forest.

7

CM – Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones hasn’t featured but below Slot’s wing, although he did play a distinguished function all through pre-season. The Scouser is criminally underrated and boasts considered one of Liverpool’s best passing video games, an adept retentor.

He’ll step in for Mac Allister, who have to be dealt with with care after his knock, lest Liverpool lose one other star for a gruelling interval of unceasing motion.

8

RW – Mohamed Salah

He’ll be hoping to strike an early arrow into the Difficult Timber’ web, severing hopes from the off. Mohamed Salah fizzled out considerably below Jurgen Klopp however seems restive after a summer season of recuperation.

We’re not doing him justice: he is been chic. The 32-year-old talisman has scored three targets and provided three assists throughout simply three matches this time period, and also you would not guess towards him including to that tally tomorrow.

9

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai appears reborn in a looser attacking midfield function, having spent most of his time below Klopp’s management in a extra industrious machine-like midfield place.

The Hungary skipper is an absolute workhorse, and he’s so essential to the success of the frontline. Keep watch over him towards Nuno Espirito Santo’s facet.

10

LW – Luis Diaz

The Theatre of Goals endured a nightmare within the face of Luis Diaz final outing, with the Colombian wreaking devastation as he netted twice and condemned Erik ten Hag’s facet to a successive Premier League defeat.

With three targets and an help throughout his opening three video games, Diaz is in high quality type, and should now maintain it to help Liverpool of their quest for prominence.

11

CF – Darwin Nunez

Diogo Jota has notched one purpose and one help throughout his opening three matches this season, beginning all three on the entrance of the ship, nonetheless, he endured an detached efficiency towards Man United and a number of other hungry stars are ready within the wings.

He is ebbed and flowed for positive, however Darwin Nunez deserves a primary beginning berth of the marketing campaign. He is received his foibles however nonetheless posted 18 targets and 13 assists throughout all competitions final yr, and everyone knows what occurred the final time he confronted tomorrow’s opponents.

Liverpool will really feel assured forward of the Anfield contest, however the Uruguay worldwide’s dynamism might be key…