Anderson a gifted player. — Reuters
LIVERPOOL welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield today in a must-win game for the home side.
Having suffered five defeats in their last six league games, the Reds need to stop the rot and ensure they secure all three points against Forest.
Arne Slot’s team, currently in eighth place, can no longer afford to lose ground, as they sit eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
Losing or dropping points against Sean Dyche’s side will obviously adversely impact morale and confidence.
Some positives for Liverpool, though, include the fitness of the squad, with no notable players injured during international duty.
Only Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni are unavailable, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker reportedly back to full fitness.
Liverpool’s fans will be crossing their fingers, hoping Slot found answers to his team’s current malaise over the international break.
The Reds have struggled to break down the low-block approach employed by several teams this season.
It is unlikely to be an exception against Forest, who are expected to adopt a similar plot, coupled with long balls forward.
Forest will likely shore up their defence with two defensive midfielders while waiting for opportunities to counter-attack.
The double pivot of Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson in midfield could prove decisive.
Sangare offers physicality while Anderson is a gifted technician, adept at defensive duties, passing and off-the-ball movement.
Dyche will be without Ola Aina, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz for the encounter, while Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi face late fitness tests.
Since Dyche’s appointment, Forest’s form has improved, with two wins and two draws from their last five matches in all competitions.
The mood within the Forest side should be more upbeat than Liverpool’s, following their 3-1 win over Leeds United before the international break.
Forest may currently sit 19th on the log, but they appear capable of escaping the jaws of a relegation scrap.
A close and fierce contest is expected between the sides today, and while much responsibility rests on Slot’s shoulders, the players must also step up to ensure their title-defending season does not continue to unravel.
Several players impressed while on international duty, and it is hoped they can transition that form to club level.
There is no doubt about the talent at the Dutch head coach’s disposal.
Now is the time for all of Liverpool to stand up and be counted. — By IVAN LOH
