Liverpool travel to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory over Nottingham Forest can get their top-four ambitions back on track.
The Reds finished sixth in the Premier League table at the weekend, just shy of a Champions League spot but still facing inconsistency.
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As their opponents continue to drop points, Liverpool cannot afford any more mistakes on the road.
Game preview
Both sides have won their recent encounters by a score of 3-0.
Liverpool beat Brighton in the FA Cup, while Forest kicked off the Vito Pereira era with an away win at Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
For Liverpool manager Arne Slaughter, there are still two paths to the title this season, but the league remains the priority.
Liverpool have won four of their last five games in all competitions but their Premier League form has been less than convincing, with just two wins in their last six top-flight games.
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However, these wins have come in the last three league games, providing signs of revival.
However, Forest have become a thorn in Liverpool’s side.
Qishu defeated the Reds 3-0 at Anfield in November and remain unbeaten in their last three league games against the Merseyside team.
Pereira’s appointment has sparked a spark of life. Three days after taking office, he led the team to the European Championship.
Forest sit 17th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone, having lost just one of their last six league games.
Goals have been few and far between at the City Stadium, however, with just one goal in each of their past four home league games.
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Match statistics
Forest are looking to complete a league double against Liverpool for the first time since the 1962/63 season.
Liverpool have won just one of their past 15 away league games against Forest (8 draws and 6 losses), with the only success occurring in March 2024.
Forest remain unbeaten in their last three league games against Liverpool (2 wins, 1 draw).
Liverpool have won just three of their last 11 Premier League away games (D3, D5), although they are seeking consecutive away league wins for the first time since September.
Forest have gone 12 league games without scoring a goal this season, with only one team doing worse in this regard.
Liverpool team news
Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable due to a muscle problem, but Slaughter said he could return to the squad next week.
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Joe Gomez is now ready to start after coming off the bench in consecutive games, providing timely help to the team’s defense.
Wataru Endo faces a long-term absence after being stretchered off last week, while Connor Bradley, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees.
Slott also faces a dilemma at right guard.
Curtis Jones impressed against Brighton but “special talent” Ryan Gravenberg is expected to return to midfield, potentially pushing Dominic Szoboszlai back there.
Liverpool Prediction XI (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Dominic Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kolquez; Alexis Mike Allister, Ryan Gravenberg; Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitic.
