Liverpool seek first win against Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Anfield gets its first real look at the Andoni Iraola era this afternoon, and Liverpool badly need lift-off.
A chaotic opening day at St James’ Park left the Reds relieved rather than satisfied. They were 2-1 down to Newcastle heading into the final minute of stoppage time, staring at defeat, before Dominik Szoboszlai thumped home a last-gasp penalty with the final kick of the game to salvage a point.
Today, a draw won’t feel like much progress.
Iraola’s competitive Anfield debut comes against a Nottingham Forest side in trouble on paper but strangely comfortable on this particular ground. Forest arrive on Merseyside chasing an extraordinary feat: three straight seasons leaving Anfield with all three points and a clean sheet.
Forest’s form gives Liverpool every reason to be ruthless. Oliver Glasner’s team have opened the campaign with back-to-back home defeats to Leeds United, a double blow that included crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek. Confidence has taken a hit, even if Glasner himself knows this stadium well from his Crystal Palace days.
The visitors do have a new focal point to turn to. Liam Delap is available for his debut after completing a £45million move from Chelsea earlier in the week, a statement signing for a side that desperately needs a spark.
Liverpool, too, have one eye on the market. Bradley Barcola is on course to join from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window shuts next week, but the deal has not been wrapped up in time for the French forward to feature here. Iraola will have to wait for that particular weapon.
For now, the task is simple: end the wait for a first league win and stamp some authority on the season.
How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
- TV channel: In the UK, the match is live on TNT Sports. Coverage begins at 11am BST on TNT Sports 1, with kick-off at 12.30pm.
- Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can watch online via the HBO Max app and website.
