View: Liverpool predicted XI v Nottingham Forest – Diogo Jota to be axed, Darwin Nunez call made
Arne Slot could hand Darwin Nunez his first start of the Premier League season when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday [14 September].
The Dutch manager has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the Premier League and boasts a 100 per cent record with the Reds this season.
While his teammates thrived, Diogo Jota struggled in the 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford and failed to score in two starts for Portugal over the international break, missing a host of chances.
Darwin Nunez has settled for a place on the bench behind the Portuguese forward this term but could be handed his chance under Slot, who has shown his ruthless side in the early days of his Anfield tenure this season.
Diogo Jota to pay the price for Liverpool
Alisson is expected to continue between the sticks for the Reds after another clean sheet against Man United. The Brazilian was called into action in the second-half and made three vital saves [Sofascore] to secure the three points. He has yet to concede a goal this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was excellent on international duty with England playing in his preferred right-back spot for new boss Lee Carsley. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet at Old Trafford with his goal disallowed for offside but will surely continue his rich vein of form against Nottingham Forest.
Since Jarell Quansah was replaced at half-time against Ipswich Town by Ibrahima Konate, the Frenchman has kept his place in the side. The upcoming match is expected to be no different – he won 75 per cent of his duels against Man United and played a huge role in another clean-sheet performance [Sofascore].
Virgil van Dijk is undroppable at the moment. The captain has looked back to his best this season with 95 per cent pass accuracy and an average of 1.7 interceptions and 2.7 ball recoveries per match [WhoScored]. Van Dijk is expected to line up alongside Andy Robertson on the left side of the defence.
His Dutch teammate Ryan Gravenberch looks a completely different player under Slot than the one who was on the fringes of the Jurgen Klopp side last season. The 22-year-old passed his first real test as a holding midfielder against Man United, winning 70 per cent of his duels, completing two tackles and making four interceptions, while ending with 84 per cent pass accuracy. Gravenberch should keep his place in the side [Sofascore].
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai should complete the midfield three with Curtis Jones only just returning from injury and Harvey Elliott facing six weeks on the sidelines [Liverpool Echo]. Szoboszlai kick-started his season with three key passes, one big chance created, and one assist at Old Trafford [Sofascore]. Mac Allister had a quiet game, meanwhile, but kept his side ticking with 42 passes for an 86 per cent accuracy.
Darwin Nunez set to start for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah will always be the first name on the teamsheet and will be out to continue his incredible start against Nottingham Forest. The Egyptian is proving to the Reds he is worthy of a new contract with three goals and three assists in three starts in the Premier League.
Jota looked off the pace for the Reds at Old Trafford and his performances for Portugal have not caught the eye. The 27-year-old was by far the worst Liverpool player on the pitch, failing to complete any of his five dribbles and could only muster one off-target shot. His form, or lack thereof, could provide Darwin Nunez the perfect opportunity to force himself into the first team fold under Slot.
To complete the front three, Luis Diaz should keep his place and is another who looks like a new man under Slot this season. After a season of receiving intense criticism last term, the Colombian started the campaign like a house on fire with three goals, including a brace at Old Trafford and one assist.
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