Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Iraola Seeks First Win at Anfield
Anfield wakes up to Premier League football for the first time this season on Saturday lunchtime, and Andoni Iraola is still waiting for his first victory.
Liverpool’s new era under the Basque coach has begun with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, rescued late on, but the search for a statement win now moves to home turf. Nottingham Forest, beaten by Leeds United in their opener, arrive with just enough recent encouragement at this ground to believe they can make life awkward.
Liverpool’s selection puzzle
Iraola’s options are already being tested.
Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out through injury. Curtis Jones is battling a groin problem and remains a doubt, leaving the midfield picture slightly clouded on the eve of Liverpool’s home bow.
The headline name around Anfield this week is Bradley Barcola. The winger is closing in on a £120 million move from Paris Saint-Germain, but the timing of the deal and his readiness mean a debut against Forest is highly unlikely. Liverpool see Ipswich Town away next week as the more realistic stage for his first appearance.
The immediate boost has instead come from Victor Muñoz. Thrown on at Newcastle, he changed the mood of the match, winning the stoppage-time penalty that salvaged a point. That impact has thrust him into the conversation for a starting role.
At the back, Iraola is expected to tweak his defence. Jérémy Jacquet is in line to continue alongside Virgil van Dijk, with at least one change anticipated in the back four as the new manager sharpens the structure in front of Alisson.
Muñoz or Ngumoha – and Gakpo stays central to the plan
The big call comes in the attacking midfield line.
Muñoz’s cameo at St James’ Park has put him in strong contention to start, potentially edging out Rio Ngumoha. The teenager turns 18 on matchday, a landmark occasion, but he may find himself watching the first whistle rather than hearing it on the pitch if Iraola leans towards experience in a game that already carries weight.
Cody Gakpo should keep his place on the left after scoring against Newcastle. The Dutchman continues to be linked with Tottenham and Manchester City, yet on current evidence he remains a key part of Iraola’s attacking blueprint.
Behind the front line, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are set to retain their roles in the double pivot, offering energy and progression from deep. The attack is again expected to revolve around Alexander Isak, whose movement and finishing give Liverpool a different focal point in the box.
Predicted Liverpool XI
Iraola looks likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 shape:
Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Muñoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
It is a side that blends established leaders with new ideas, and one that will be expected to impose itself early in front of an impatient Anfield crowd.
Forest’s task and the stage
Forest arrive still stung by their opening defeat to Leeds, but with the knowledge that Liverpool are not yet fully settled under their new coach. That sliver of uncertainty is their invitation.
Kick-off is at 12:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with live coverage in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Anfield will demand a first win. The question now is whether Iraola’s evolving Liverpool can deliver it before the murmurs of early-season tension grow louder.
