Liverpool's Home Debut at Anfield Against Forest
Anfield braces for Liverpool’s home bow as Forest roll into town, and there is already a little edge in the air.
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign opened with a jolt rather than a statement. A scrambled point at Newcastle, rescued in the 98th minute by Dominik Szoboszlai’s nerveless penalty, kept the mood steady but hardly silenced the questions. That late escape has bought Andoni Iraola time, not comfort.
Today he walks out at Anfield for his first home league game in charge, and he will want far less drama than the chaos of St James’ Park. The blueprint is unlikely to change much. Iraola is expected to stick closely to the side that clawed its way to a draw, but there is one obvious temptation.
Victor Munoz, a summer signing still feeling his way into life at Liverpool, may have earned a start. It was his sharp movement and direct running that forced the late spot kick at Newcastle, a moment that changed the tone of the week. If Iraola wants to reward impact and send a message about merit, Munoz could come in for Rio Ngumoha.
Forest arrive with problems of their own. Neco Williams is a doubt after taking a knock in the midweek clash with Leeds, a concern that strips some thrust from the visitors’ right flank. The good news for them is that Morgan Gibbs-White has been passed fit following a knee issue, preserving their most inventive outlet between the lines.
There is intrigue up front too. Liam Delap, fresh from a £45million move from Chelsea, is in line for a debut that will be watched closely. Price tags follow strikers around like shadows; Anfield is no place to hide.
On the other side, Liverpool need more from Alexander Isak. The forward cut a frustrated figure last Sunday, suffocated by the intensity and emotion of returning to his former club. Today offers a different stage. Same scrutiny, different noise.
Anfield expects a response, not just a result. The question now is whether Iraola’s Liverpool can turn that late rescue act on Tyneside into the start of something more convincing on Merseyside.
