Liverpool v Nottingham Forest: Iraola Seeks First Win at Anfield

Anfield gets its first taste of Premier League football this season on Saturday lunchtime, with Liverpool still hunting their first victory under Andoni Iraola and Nottingham Forest arriving with just enough recent history on this ground to feel dangerous.

Iraola’s side let a win slip away at Newcastle on the opening weekend, pegged back late in a 2-2 draw. Now comes the first home test, the first real look at how this new Liverpool era will feel under the Anfield glare.

Forest, beaten by Leeds United in their own opener, know this place can unsettle even the best. Their recent visits have not been one-way traffic, and that alone offers a sliver of encouragement for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men as they walk into the noise.

Liverpool’s selection puzzle

The team sheet will carry some intrigue. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out through injury, trimming Iraola’s options at both ends of the pitch. Curtis Jones is a doubt with a groin issue, his availability hanging over Liverpool’s midfield balance.

Off the pitch, the headline is Bradley Barcola. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is closing in on a £120 million move, a statement signing in every sense, but Anfield will almost certainly have to wait to see him in red. Even if the deal is wrapped up in time, his debut is expected to be held back for next week’s trip to Ipswich Town.

On the pitch, one new face has already made a dent. Victor Muñoz came off the bench at St James’ Park and changed the mood, driving at defenders and winning the stoppage-time penalty that salvaged a point. That cameo has thrust him into the conversation for a starting role.

At the back, Iraola is poised to tweak. Jérémy Jacquet is in line to continue alongside Virgil van Dijk, with at least one change anticipated in the back four as the new manager searches for the right blend of control and aggression.

The real decision, though, may come in the band of three behind the striker. Muñoz has played his way into contention to start, potentially at the expense of Rio Ngumoha, who turns 18 on matchday and is being asked to grow up fast on a very big stage.

Gakpo stays central to the plan

On the left, Cody Gakpo has given Iraola little reason to look elsewhere. He scored against Newcastle and, despite persistent transfer noise linking him with Tottenham and Manchester City, is expected to keep his place. For now, he remains a key part of this Liverpool attack rather than a name on a negotiation table.

Behind the forwards, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are set to continue as the double pivot in midfield, asked to dictate tempo and feed the front four. It is an aggressive structure, one built around the talents of Alexander Isak, who again looks likely to lead the line.

Liverpool’s predicted XI in a 4-2-3-1 shape: Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Muñoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

It is a team that screams front-foot football. Anfield usually demands nothing less.

Kick-off time and TV details

The game kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, the early slot that often sets the tone for the weekend.

In the UK, Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

A new manager, a restless fanbase, a giant transfer about to drop, and a Forest side with nothing to lose. For Iraola, this isn’t just a home opener. It’s a chance to plant a flag and show what this Liverpool side is going to be.