Liverpool predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League
- Liverpool are still without multiple key players through injury
- Jayden Danns to lead the line against Nottingham Forest
- Joe Gomez may continue as a defensive midfielder
By Euan Burns
Liverpool's impressive form in the face of an injury crisis could continue on Saturday as they travel to take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp is set to be without a host of his usual starters and depth options, the list being: Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Joel Matip, Ben Doak, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker.
Some players could be back on the bench at the City Ground, but the majority will not. This means that youngsters are set to continue playing, all with the pressure of being one point ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Here is the Liverpool team that Klopp is expected to field against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher - In the absence of Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher has shown that he is a superb goalkeeper who could do a job as the number one at a slightly lesser club. Whether he chooses to make that move in the summer is a different story.
RB: Conor Bradley - Conor Bradley had already started breaking through and showing how good he is before the injury crisis got really bad, so he is softening the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold's spell on the sidelines.
CB: Ibrahima Konate - The only area of the pitch where Liverpool are at full strength is at centre-back, so Ibrahima Konate needs to make sure he stays fit. He really stepped up when Jarell Quansah started impressing and threatening his place in the side.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - His towering header against Chelsea reminded everyone of his prowess in the opposition box, and Virgil van Dijk is a crucial leader in a period like this where many young players are having to feature.
LB: Andy Robertson - Many fans were not convinced by Kostas Tsimikas so Andy Robertson being fit and firing again is crucial if they are to win the title. Most of Liverpool's injuries are further up the pitch as they actually have 75% of their best back four available.
CM: Harvey Elliott - There was a funny moment after the Southampton match where Harvey Elliott was asked about the impact of the young players and how well they are doing. He is 20 years old.
CM: Joe Gomez - He may not be one of the best players in the squad, but Joe Gomez's versatility is very important and he is now operating as a defensive midfielder. Perhaps that elusive goal may come now that he is slightly higher up the pitch.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister - The Argentine is fit and ready to start, which is a big relief for Klopp. He can carve out a proper role for himself in this midfield whilst much of the competition is out injured.
RW: Cody Gakpo - He has not quite had the impact that many expected and is criticised for shooting too quickly, but Cody Gakpo does seem to be heading in the right direction and scored in the last league game against Luton.
ST: Jayden Danns - At just 18 years old, Jayden Danns has two Liverpool goals under his belt as he netted twice against Southampton. Klopp is expected to start him again here with Darwin Nunez still out injured. Klopp has even likened him to Luke Littler.
LW: Luis Diaz - The fact that Luis Diaz got a full rest during the midweek fixture if great news for Liverpool, as the Colombian has been playing a lot of football and gets through a lot of running. As Opta said after the Carabao Cup final, he ran 375m with the ball - the most by a Liverpool forward in a game for over five years.
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