Overview: Liverpool seeks stability against Nottingham Forest
As Liverpool prepare for a crucial Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, all eyes are on two potential selection calls that could shape the game: the return or continued absence of Joe Gomez in central defense and the involvement of Hugo Ekitike in attack. With injuries and tactical adjustments a constant under Jurgen Klopp, fans and pundits alike are debating whether Gomez will reclaim a starting spot and how Ekitike might be used to unlock Forest’s defense.
Joe Gomez: return to defensive stability or rotation?
Joe Gomez has been a regular option at centre-back for Liverpool in recent seasons, valued for his pace and ball-playing ability. In the latest build-up, the coaching staff are weighing two key factors: Gomez’s current conditioning after minor knocks and the balance of the back line with new or rotated partners. If Gomez is fit and in form, he could slot into the central pairing alongside Virgil van Dijk or a partner yet to be determined by Klopp’s tactical plan.
On the other hand, if the coaching staff want to refresh the defense or manage workload ahead of a congested fixtures period, Gomez might miss out in favor of a more systematic pairing or a right-footed option that complements full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson. In such a setup, Liverpool could opt for a slightly different spine, prioritizing compactness and quick transitions rather than pure pressing from the full-backs.
Hugo Ekitike: starting role or impact off the bench?
Hugo Ekitike’s involvement is another big talking point. The young forward has shown flashes of a clever movement game and a keen eye for goal, but integrating him into Klopp’s system requires subtle adjustments. The question isn’t just whether Ekitike starts, but how he links with the rest of the forward line if he does. Options include deploying him as a central striker in a 4-3-3 with a more traditional No. 9 or using him as a wide-forward in a 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 diamond shape to exploit spaces between Forest’s lines.
If Ekitike is not chosen from the start, he could still feature prominently as a first-half or late-game substitute, aiming to stretch tired legs or to add a new dimension against a defence that has shown resilience. Klopp’s recent teams have used versatile forwards to keep opposition defenders guessing, and Ekitike’s movement could be a valuable weapon in the latter stages of the match.
Predicted formation and lineup approach
Predictions for Saturday suggest Liverpool might line up in a familiar framework, potentially a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, depending on Gomez’s availability and the plan for Ekitike. A compact midfield trio would aim to control the tempo and recycle possession quickly, freeing up the flanks for Alexander-Arnold and Robertson to supply crosses or cut-backs. The goalkeeper role is assumed to be occupied by Alisson Becker, continuing the standard setup.
In this scenario, the key tactical objective is balance: ensuring Gomez can anchor the center with confidence, while Ekitike adds a fresh attacking dimension that keeps Forest guessing about where Liverpool’s most dangerous threats will come from. If Gomez is sidelined, a different defender might step in, and Klopp could lean more on a two-midfield pivot to maintain defensive solidity.
Other lineup considerations
Beyond the Gomez and Ekitike decisions, Liverpool’s matchday squad will also reflect considerations about injuries, form, and opposition tactics. The full-back pairing has to be consistent and reliable, the midfield needs to connect press and transition, and the attack must translate possession into clear chances. Nottingham Forest will present their own challenges, requiring Liverpool to stay compact without losing their attacking intensity.
Bottom line
Saturday’s team selection will signal Klopp’s priorities for balancing defense with attack and testing whether Ekitike can make a decisive impact from the start or off the bench. Joe Gomez’s involvement could be the hinge that steadies the backline, while Ekitike’s role could determine the effectiveness of Liverpool’s attacking movement against Forest’s defensive structure.
