Liverpool looks to secure its first win of the season as they host a struggling Nottingham Forest side at Anfield this Saturday.
As Liverpool prepares for its first home fixture of the 2026 Premier League campaign, the atmosphere at Anfield is one of cautious anticipation. Under the guidance of new manager Andoni Iraola, the Reds opened their season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Newcastle. While the ability to recover from a deficit showed character, the squad remains in a state of transition, particularly regarding their attacking options following the high-profile departure of Mohamed Salah.
Iraola has been candid about the limitations of his current roster, acknowledging the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes. The club has been heavily linked with potential moves for wingers, with reports suggesting that French forward Bradley Barcola could be on the verge of a move from Paris Saint-Germain. Addressing the media, Iraola emphasized that while he cannot comment on specific transfer targets, the club is actively working to address the lack of depth in key positions.
The uncertainty surrounding current personnel also extends to Cody Gakpo, who remains a fixture in the starting lineup despite persistent rumors linking him to Manchester City and Tottenham. Iraola conceded that in the modern transfer market, no player’s future is entirely guaranteed until the window shuts. The manager is focused on stabilizing the squad, knowing that an improved performance at home is essential to building momentum early in the season.
Nottingham Forest arrives at Anfield under intense scrutiny following a difficult start to the season. Coach Oliver Glasner, who took the helm with high expectations, has overseen two consecutive defeats—a 1-0 league loss to Leeds followed es facing his team, urging fans and stakeholders to temper their expectations as he attempts to build a new identity for the club.
The Austrian manager has pushed back against criticism, noting that the squad is still reeling from a grueling, turbulent campaign that ended just months ago. He dismissed the notion that his arrival would instantly transform Forest into a European contender, labeling himself a coach focused on hard work rather than a miracle worker. His primary concern is establishing a baseline of performance after the loss of key personnel, including midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Despite the negative results, there is a glimmer of optimism following the club’s record-breaking move for striker Liam Delap. The arrival of the young forward from Chelsea for a reported fee of 45 million pounds signals the board's intent to provide Glasner with the tools necessary to compete. Whether Delap can provide an immediate spark against a formidable Liverpool defense remains one of the major questions heading into Saturday’s clash.
Liverpool continues to manage a series of significant injuries that have thinned their ranks. Long-term absentees include forward Hugo Ekitike, recovering from an Achilles injury, and defenders Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez. Despite these absences, the team is expected to rely on Alexander Isak as the focal point of the attack, supported ion off the bench against Newcastle, is a strong candidate to start on the wing.
Nottingham Forest is dealing with its own injury woes, with Nicolo Savona ruled out due to a knee setback and midfielder Ryan Yates sidelined. The fitness of key players Neco Williams and playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White remains uncertain, with the club hoping both can overcome minor knocks to participate. If available, they will be central to Forest’s strategy of absorbing pressure and utilizing quick transitions to exploit any gaps in the Liverpool backline.
History favors the hosts, with Liverpool having secured 61 victories in the 124 meetings between these two historic clubs. The most recent encounter in February was a tense affair, decided only in the 97th minute down a disciplined Forest side, even when Liverpool dominates possession.