Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Iraola Seeks First Win at Anfield

Anfield wakes up to Premier League football on Saturday, and Liverpool arrive still searching for their first victory of the season under Andoni Iraola.

A chaotic 2-2 draw at Newcastle offered drama and late rescue work, but not the statement start many expected. Now Nottingham Forest come to Merseyside, beaten by Leeds United in their own opener but carrying just enough recent success at this ground to believe they can cause trouble.

Liverpool’s selection puzzle

Iraola’s options are already stretched.

Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out through injury. Curtis Jones is a doubt with a groin problem, his involvement hanging in the balance as kick-off approaches.

The big-money headline signing, Bradley Barcola, is unlikely to be more than a name on the teamsheet graphics. His £120 million move from Paris Saint-Germain is close, but even if the paperwork lands in time, Liverpool are planning for his debut to wait until next week’s trip to Ipswich Town rather than this Anfield curtain-raiser.

One new face who did make an impact at St James’ Park was Victor Muñoz. Thrown on late, he drove at Newcastle’s back line and won the stoppage-time penalty that salvaged a point. That cameo has changed the conversation around the starting XI.

At the back, Iraola is expected to tweak. Jérémy Jacquet is in line to continue alongside Virgil van Dijk, with at least one alteration anticipated in the back four as the new coach searches for balance and authority in defence.

Higher up the pitch, Muñoz has played his way into contention to start. His energy and bravery on the ball put real pressure on 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who actually turns 18 on the day of the game. It leaves Iraola with a classic early-season call: reward the impact substitute, or stick with the prodigy on his birthday.

Cody Gakpo should keep his place on the left. He scored against Newcastle and, for now, performances are cutting through the noise of transfer speculation that continues to link him with Tottenham and Manchester City.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are set to hold their spots, tasked with setting the tempo behind a front line again built around Alexander Isak, whose movement remains central to Iraola’s attacking blueprint.

Predicted Liverpool XI

Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1:

Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Muñoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

It’s a side that leans into technical quality and fluid movement, but one that still needs a first win to settle the questions around this new era.

Kick-off and TV details

The match kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

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

Anfield has its stage ready. Now Iraola needs his players to deliver the first act that truly belongs to this season.