Nottingham Forest face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend in a game that will naturally be extremely tricky for the Reds.
Although Forest made some waves in the transfer market this summer, it’s fair to say that the Reds are hoping to improve rather than challenge for anything this season.
During the two previous seasons, Forest have just avoided relegation back to the Championship and a more comfortable campaign will be sought during 2024/25.
This weekend, it will be intriguing to see how Nuno Espirito Santo could line up, with new signing James Ward-Prowse looking almost certain to make his debut.
How Nottingham Forest could line up with James Ward-Prowse vs Liverpool
The Forest rearguard
We could see a completely different shape in the game against Liverpool this weekend as Forest focus on giving a strong account of themselves.
Matz Sels looks likely to keep his place in the team as Carlos Miguel is forced to wait for a chance to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper.
Forest could go with a back three for this game – and that could see Morato come in on the left of a three-man central defensive unit.
Murillo could play in the centre, with Nikola Milenkovic taking up a place on the right-hand side of the three.
The Forest engine room and wing-backs
Much has been made of Ibrahim Sangare but with the most tackles in the Premier League so far this season, it’s unlikely Espirito Santo will drop him.
He will likely play as a more defensive option, allowing Elliot Anderson and James Ward-Prowse to roam and get involved with both defensive and attacking duties.
At wing-back, we think Alex Moreno might be in line for his maiden Premier League start for Forest after impressing against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
On the right, it will be a toss-up between Ola Aina and Neco Williams and we believe the latter might get the nod against his former club.
Leading the Forest line
Given the change of shape, there will be less attackers on the field for Forest but thwarting the threat of Liverpool will be the main priority this weekend.
New England international Morgan Gibbs-White won’t be getting dropped any time soon and will almost certainly start.
Alongside him in attack, Forest could give Taiwo Awoniyi a start for the simple reason that Chris Wood will be playing for New Zealand in the USA on Wednesday night.
That won’t give Espirito Santo long to get him ready on the training ground and perhaps Awoniyi is the safe option here.
How Nottingham Forest might line-up to accommodate James Ward-Prowse:
James Ward-Prowse’s record vs Liverpool
Naturally, Ward-Prowse isn’t going to come in at Forest and start creating goals and assists straight away – and he probably couldn’t ask for a tougher debut.
Forest will feed off scraps for large parts of the game at Anfield and every set piece will see all eyes on Ward-Prowse and his brilliance from those situations.
Looking ahead to Saturday, it’s fair to say that Ward-Prowse doesn’t have a bad record against Liverpool considering how good they’ve been over the years.
The 29-year-old has been on the winning side five times against Liverpool and has also been part of four teams that took a point from the Reds.
On a personal level, Ward-Prowse has scored once and claimed two assists during his time playing against the Merseyside giants.
His only goal came during a 4-4 draw against Liverpool whilst playing for Southampton in the 2022/23 campaign.
Forest will be hoping he can add to that tally this weekend but a strong opening performance for the club will be the most important aspect.
