Liverpool welcome relegation battling Nottingham Forest to Anfield in a crucial clash at opposite ends of the table.
Victory would see Liverpool climb to sixth if Aston Villa lose at Brentford, whilst Forest can climb out of the relegation zone with at least one point if Everton lose at Crystal Palace.
Team News
Roberto Firmino is ruled out for Liverpool after suffering a muscle injury during training this week, following their win at Leeds in Monday Night Football.
Naby Keita (muscle), Calvin Ramsay (knee) and Stefan Bajcetic (adductor) remain absent.
Forest could be without Jack Colback after he suffered concussion during training and is currently adhering to concussion protocols.
Dean Henderson (muscle), Omar Richards (leg), Giulian Biancone, Gustavo Scarpa (both knee), Serge Aurier (knock), Willy Boly, Cheikhou Kouyate (both hamstring), Ryan Yates (shoulder) and Chris Wood (thigh) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Liverpool host Forest at Anfield in a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday 22 April, albeit untelevised in UK.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last five meetings against Nottingham Forest (W2, D2, L1).
- Forest are winless in five previous Premier League visits to Anfield (D1, L4).
- Each of Liverpool’s last two meetings against Forest in all competitions have finished 1-0, with both teams winning one match apiece.
- Mohamed Salah has scored five goals in Liverpool’s last four league matches at home (W3, D1).
- Forest have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five away matches (L5).
Prediction
Following a ruthless dismantling of Leeds’ defence at Elland Road where they were simply more clinical in converting their chances in an open contest, Liverpool now have to kick on if they want any sort of European football next season and play with the same quality as they did at Leeds.
Forest meanwhile were totally outclassed by Manchester United amidst wasteful finishing and poor luck with VAR, whilst their defence struggled badly with Utd’s attacking pace which proved costly despite excellent saves by Keylor Navas in goal.
Victory therefore is imperative for both teams at opposite ends of the table, but I fancy Liverpool to clinch a comfortable home win if they play like they did on Monday evening.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Result: Liverpool 3-2 Nottingham Forest
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