Liverpool XI vs Nottingham Forest: Iraola’s First Match at Anfield
Anfield opens its doors for the first time this season, and with it comes a new chapter. Andoni Iraola steps out in front of the Kop for the first time as Liverpool manager, but the backdrop is anything but comfortable.
Nottingham Forest arrive with form and history on their side. They’ve won on their last two visits to this ground, and their new head coach, Oliver Glasner, knows exactly how to frustrate Liverpool. He beat the Reds twice last season while in charge of Crystal Palace. Anfield has not been a happy hunting ground for the home side against him.
Tonight, Liverpool try to flip that script.
Team News: Key Absences and a Fresh-Looking XI
The hosts are forced into changes before a ball is even kicked. Joe Gomez misses out again as he continues to recover from the hamstring injury that disrupted his pre-season. In defence, the issues run deeper: Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain unavailable with long-term problems, leaving Iraola light on options at the back.
The injury list stretches further forward. Hugo Ekitike is still sidelined with an achilles issue and is not expected back until after Christmas, stripping Liverpool of another attacking option for the months ahead.
Federico Chiesa, who sat out last week’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, remains a doubt. Even if he proves his fitness, competition for a place in the matchday squad is fierce and his involvement is far from guaranteed.
One decision is already clear: Harvey Elliott will not feature. As he edges closer to an exit, he drops out of the squad entirely on a night that underlines how quickly this Liverpool side is evolving.
Liverpool’s Confirmed XI
Iraola’s first Anfield line-up has a bold, modern feel to it:
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo, Munoz, Isak.
On the bench, there is depth and a hint of the future:
Bench: Mamardashvili, Araujo, Tsimikas, Endo, Gravenberch, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas, Ngumoha.
Virgil van Dijk again wears the armband at the heart of the defence, flanked by new and emerging names, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez offer thrust from the flanks. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz provide control, legs and invention. Ahead of them, Cody Gakpo, Luis Munoz and Alexander Isak form a front line built to press and punish.
Forest have spoiled Anfield nights before. Glasner has done it too. Now the question is simple: can Iraola’s first home XI break that hold and set the tone for Liverpool’s season, or will the old scars be reopened yet again?
