Liverpool’s next game doesn’t get any easier. Today’s opponent Nottingham Forest may not seem like a gargantuan challenge on paper. But they are. Forest are a strong team, who can cause problems to any team in the Premier League – especially playing at home.
Liverpool meanwhile are jaded and full of tired legs. After a hard fought victory at Wembley followed by an even more difficult game at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s side could do with some respite.
But there will be key returnees. And that could be a huge boost. Wataru Endo looks like he will be back, and so will Andy Robertson after missing the game against Southampton midweek. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez have also been training with the squad, and are in contention to feature.
Having those two back in the team could be a huge boost for Liverpool. Especially, the former, who was brilliant the last time the Reds faced Nottingham Forest back at Anfield earlier this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s performance against Nottingham Forest
Last time out against Nottingham Forest, Szoboszlai registered two assists, setting up Darwin Nunez for Liverpool’s second goal, and Mohamed Salah for Liverpool’s third in a 3-0 victory. The 23-year-old was superb that afternoon, and was voted the Man of the Match by the club’s supporters.
If Szoboszlai is fit enough to feature in this game, that alone should be enough for Klopp to be convinced to at least use him for parts of the match today. Because the Hungarian clearly thrived against today’s opponents, and if he is fit, he will be confident to do it again this time around.
Considering, the way Forest drop back deep and defend in low-blocks, having someone like Szoboszlai is really useful. He’s got the ability to unlock defences, and find openings even when perceivably there is none.
With Liverpool already short of options, Szoboszlai’s ability could come in very handy. This is the kind of game the Reds need to win to stay in the Premier League title race. Which is why Klopp really needs Szoboszlai to repeat what he did vs Forest, if he is on the pitch.