Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool: Champions League Winner to Start

Nottingham Forest were dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Wednesday, February 28. Casemiro’s 89th-minute header was the only goal of the game to set up a quarter-final tie for the Red Devils with Liverpool.

The goal came from another set-piece, which continues to be a huge problem for Forest. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have conceded 16 goals from set-pieces this season, which is the most in the league.

With the looming threat of a potential points deduction given that their Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) hearing begins next week, and sitting only four points above the relegation zone, Forest enter this match in a precarious position.

However, with a strong historic record against Liverpool, they will be quietly confident that they can spring a surprise. Here is Last Word on Football’s Nottingham Forest predicted lineup ahead of the match on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool in Premier League Clash

Returning to @premierleague action this weekend.#NFOLIV 🔜 pic.twitter.com/VhH4BRTCEF

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 29, 2024

How Nottingham Forest Have Lined Up Recently

Matz Sels was rested for the midweek FA Cup clash against Manchester United, but he will likely retain his place against Liverpool. Sels has conceded seven goals in the three Premier League games he has played so far but has not made any glaring errors.

Neco Wiliams has started the last four matches in all competitions and has been one of Forest’s most consistent performers in recent weeks. His only goal for the East Midlands club so far came in a 3-2 loss last season against this weekend’s opponents, Liverpool, where he rose through the academy in 15 years at the club.

Harry Toffolo deputised for the injured Nuno Tavares at left-back against Manchester United and will retain his place given the shortage of options in this position.

Felipe and Murillo have started the last three games as the centre-back pairing, however, Nuno might be tempted to switch to a back five given the threat that Liverpool’s attacking options pose. Moussa Niakhaté would most probably come in as the third centre-back, but so far Nuno has not strayed from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Nico Dominguez made way for Ryan Yates in the FA Cup, with the English midfielder playing alongside Danilo in a double pivot in front of the defence. Nuno was criticised for his lack of proactive substitutions, as Danilo tired in the latter stages. Like in the defence, a move to a three-man midfield is an option, but the return of Dominguez next to Danilo is the most likely selection choice.

Divock Origi started as the right-winger against United, putting in another impressive performance in the process. Origi registered an assist against Aston Villa and looks to be getting up to speed for the first time this season. He will be hoping to haunt his former club, where he scored 22 goals in eight years, including the second goal in their 2019 UEFA Champions League victory.

Anthony Elanga has scored five goals and registered seven assists this season. The “electric” winger has started the last six games and will be a key part of Forest’s gameplan to hit Jürgen Klopp’s side on the counter-attack.

Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be deployed in his preferred number ten role under Nuno. He scored acrobatically in the 3-2 defeat against Liverpool last year. Forest will need him to be in form to hurt Liverpool on transitions.

Taiwo Awoniyi has struggled to maintain full fitness since returning to the side on January 30th, but managed to play a full 90 minutes in the midweek game. Another former Liverpool player, Awoniyi scored the winning goal in Forest’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the City Ground last season.

Watch: How Fabrizio Romano Broke Football News Forever

Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Tactics

Forest’s inability to defend set-pieces has been a consistent problem throughout the season. The Tricky Trees aren’t much better from attacking dead-ball situations. They have only scored four set-piece goals in the league this season. This is better than only three teams. The attacking corners taken against United in the FA Cup flattered to deceive, with the Red Devils easily dealing with the majority of deliveries that came in.

Simon Rusk was appointed as Forest’s first-ever set-piece coach in December 2023, when Steve Cooper was the head coach. However, it was revealed by Paul Taylor of The Athletic on Thursday that Rusk’s influence on set-piece training is now “minimal” under Nuno’s stewardship.

Nuno has consistently opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation since his appointment. In the nine Premier League matches where he has been at the helm, Forest have conceded 18 goals, but have also scored 17. Finding a balance between the Reds’ improved attacking numbers while also addressing their defensive frailties will be Nuno’s biggest challenge in the last few months of the season.

A lot of Forest’s gameplan may depend on the fitness of key Liverpool players such as Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah, and Dominik Szoboszlai. If these three are still unavailable this weekend, Nuno will believe that Forest can hurt a depleted Liverpool side.

Nuno might look to copy large parts of his tactical setup against Arsenal on January 30. Forest lost the game 2-1 but held the Gunners for 65 minutes before a Matt Turner error and a defensive mishap saw Arsenal score two goals in quick succession. They set up in a rigid 4-5-1 shape and were able to limit Arsenal for large periods of the game. If Forest can cut out defensive errors and goalkeeping mistakes, a similar plan might yield a better result against Liverpool.

Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider

Nuno provided a positive update on the potential return of injured players in his press conference. The Portuguese manager said: “Some players are in the final part of their recovery, so let’s see. Ibrahim [Sangaré] is closer, Chris Wood is also closer.

“Ola [Aina] and Nuno [Tavares], more problems. [Willy] Boly is also in the final days of his recovery.”

The return of Africa Cup of Nations winners Sangaré and Boly will be a huge boost for Forest, especially if they are fit for Liverpool’s visit. Boly’s aerial presence from set-pieces could help the Reds address their current issues.

Wood’s return would also benefit Nuno given that the New Zealand striker is still Forest’s top scorer this season. With games at Luton and Crystal Palace later in March, Nuno will be thankful that his squad is beginning to have greater strength in depth.