Liverpool are looking to continue their improved form with a win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. Jurgen Klopp’s side thrashed Leeds 6-1 at Elland Road on Monday night, showing signs of looking like their former selves. However, Forest have not won in the Premier League since early February and currently sit 18th in the table. Ahead of the game, Matt Davies, host of the Garibaldi Red podcast, spoke about Forest’s issues, Liverpool’s future and much more.
Davies believes that Forest’s first season back in the Premier League has been volatile, with some great moments but not good right now. He thinks that Steve Cooper should have been given a fair chance and that January signings have largely failed. He also believes that Forest will not beat the drop as it stands, as they have not won in 10 games and have tough opponents in their remaining seven games.
In terms of players, Brennan Johnson and Ryan Yates have been great coming up from the Championship, as has Morgan Gibbs-White before a dip of late. Felipe has been sensational from the January signings. As for Liverpool, Davies believes it must be seen as a massive disappointment and they seem to be in a transition period. He thinks they should be a top-four side next season if they do good transfer business and sort out their midfield.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Davies predicts that Taiwo Awoniyi will drift to the left against his former club, with Johnson to the right to test Liverpool’s full-backs in behind. He also believes that Renan Lodi will need to have a great game against Mo Salah and questions if the Forest midfield can step up. Finally, he predicts a 2-0 or 3-1 win for Liverpool.