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Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Iraola Seeks First Win at Anfield

Anfield gets its first taste of Premier League football this season on Saturday lunchtime, and it arrives with a hint of tension. Liverpool are still waiting for Andoni Iraola’s first league win, and Nottingham Forest turn up with just enough recent success on this ground to believe they can spoil the occasion.

Iraola’s side let a 2-1 lead slip into a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on the opening weekend, rescued only by a stoppage-time penalty. It was a point salvaged, but also two dropped. That feeling will linger until Liverpool finally put three on the board.

Forest, beaten by Leeds United in their own opener, have their own problems. Yet their recent visits to Anfield have not been entirely one-way traffic, and that alone gives this fixture a bit more edge than a routine early-season home game.

Liverpool team news: big names missing, big money coming

Iraola heads into his first Anfield league game with a stretched squad.

Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out through injury. Curtis Jones is battling a groin issue and remains a doubt, the kind of midfield absence that can reshape a manager’s plans on the morning of a match.

Off the pitch, the noise is all about Bradley Barcola. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is closing in on a £120 million move, a statement signing in any summer. But even if the paperwork lands in time, he is not expected to feature this weekend. Liverpool are looking at next week’s trip to Ipswich Town as the more realistic stage for his debut.

On the pitch, Victor Muñoz has already started to make his case. The substitute turned the game at Newcastle, winning the stoppage-time penalty that snatched a draw. That cameo has thrust him into the selection debate for Forest.

Selection calls: Muñoz pushing, Gakpo stays, defence reshaped

Iraola is likely to tweak his back four. Jérémy Jacquet is in line to continue alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, with the coach expected to make at least one change in that defensive unit as he searches for a more secure platform.

Further forward, Muñoz’s impact at St James’ Park has put him in serious contention to start. The 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha – who actually turns 18 on the day of the game – could make way if Iraola opts for the greater physical presence and penalty-box threat of Muñoz from the first whistle.

On the left, Cody Gakpo is set to keep his place. He scored against Newcastle and, despite persistent transfer links to Tottenham and Manchester City, remains central to Iraola’s plans for now.

Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to continue in midfield, offering drive and creativity behind a front line built around Alexander Isak, whose movement and finishing will again be key to Liverpool’s attacking shape.

Predicted Liverpool XI

Liverpool possible starting XI (4-2-3-1):

  • Alisson;
  • Frimpong, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez;
  • Gravenberch, Szoboszlai;
  • Muñoz, Wirtz, Gakpo;
  • Isak

Kick-off is at 12:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with the game broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK.

Anfield expects a response. Iraola still waits for a win. One of those themes has to break.

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