Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday in Andoni Iraola’s first competitive home game in charge of the Reds.
Liverpool needed a late penalty from Dominic Szoboszlai to avoid losing their opening league game at Newcastle United.
They were unconvincing at St. James’ Park, raising concerns ahead of the lunchtime kickoff against Forest.
Liverpool dominated possession but were lethargic at both ends of the pitch. The lack of balance in midfield was laid bare again, prompting conversations about whether they need to sign a defensive midfielder.
The Tricky Trees lost their opening league game to Leeds United before getting knocked out by the same opponent in the Carabao Cup, both defeats coming at the City Ground.
However, Forest will head to Liverpool with confidence, having won on their last two visits to Anfield after failing to win their previous 26.
Head coach Oliver Glasner has also won four, drawn one and lost two of his seven previous meetings with Liverpool.
Iraola will be looking to mark his competitive home debut with a victory.
The Spanish coach has yet to taste defeat against Forest, winning three and drawing three of his previous six meetings with them. He is also unbeaten in five matches against Glasner.
Iraola must ensure that his side make better use of their possession by creating enough chances.
Nullifying Forest’s counter-attacking and set-piece threats will also be pivotal if Liverpool are to secure a victory.
It remains to be seen whether Iraola will make changes to the side that started against Newcastle.
The 44-year-old will be hoping that his side produces a magnificent performance and raises optimism about what they can achieve this season.
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