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Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, with Andoni Iraola set to oversee his first competitive home match in charge. The Reds had to come from behind to rescue a point against Newcastle through a late penalty, while Forest began their Premier League season with a home loss to Leeds.

Everything is on the line on Merseyside.

Iraola’s outstanding work at Bournemouth made him a widely admired choice for the managerial role at Anfield, particularly because of his style of football. Liverpool appeared slightly short of sharpness during the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury-time penalty ensured the points were shared.

There can be no excuses at home against Forest, especially with Oliver Glasner’s side having lost both of their matches so far this season.

Liverpool’s recent record against Forest has not been especially convincing, though. Since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, the Reds have managed to win only four of the eight Premier League meetings between the sides. Forest have won twice at Anfield in that spell, which suggests Iraola will need to stay alert to the danger they can pose.

Many were taken aback when Glasner accepted the Forest job after departing Crystal Palace. The Austrian guided the Eagles to three trophies during his time at Selhurst Park.

He has now landed at the City Ground, despite owner Evangelos Marinakis not being known for patience. Marinakis dismissed three coaches last season, while Vitor Pereira left at the end of the campaign even after ensuring the club stayed in the Premier League.

Glasner arrived with an impressive managerial record, but he is still waiting for his first competitive victory in the role. Forest conceded in the 88th minute against Leeds to start their league campaign with defeat. A few days later, Daniel James and James Justin were on target as Leeds claimed another win over Forest, this time in the EFL Cup.

It is, of course, still early in the season, but a few more defeats will surely leave Marinakis with plenty to think about.

A win at Anfield would provide a major lift, especially with fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Coventry coming up in the weeks ahead.

Cody Gakpo impressed in pre-season after a productive World Cup, and he scored Liverpool’s first goal against Newcastle last week.

With Bradley Barcola appearing increasingly likely to complete a move to Anfield, Gakpo’s role may soon change. Interestingly, he has never scored against Forest in seven previous appearances. He could be Liverpool’s biggest threat in the final third on Saturday.

Liam Delap has recently joined Forest in a deal worth $66.5m, but Glasner is expected to start Igor Jesus for this game. The Brazilian has not yet scored against Liverpool, but he found the net 16 times in all competitions last season despite Forest’s difficulties.

Jesus is still waiting for his first goal of the current campaign, but after the way Liverpool looked vulnerable defensively at times against Newcastle, he will believe he can make an impact.

Iraola will be without Conor Bradley and Geovanni Leoni for this match, but apart from that he has no new injury worries.

Glasner is missing Nicolo Savana, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams and Ryan Yates will all need late fitness tests before the trip to Anfield.

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Forest: Sels; Jair, Murillo, Milenkovic; Aina, Sangare, McAtee, Williams; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus

Facing a Forest side short on confidence gives Iraola an excellent opportunity to claim his first competitive victory as Liverpool manager.

The Anfield crowd should provide a significant lift, and three points would help the Reds build momentum heading into the coming weeks.

If Forest were to suffer a third straight defeat, the pressure on Glasner would undoubtedly increase.

Score prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Forest