Paul Scholes and Roy Keane went in opposite directions with their forecasts for Liverpool’s Premier League showdown against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Reds can leapfrog Nuno Espírito Santo’s side into second place if they repeat last season’s victory at the City Ground, and there might even be an opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal if the current leaders were to drop points at high-flying Sunderland 24 hours earlier.
After a horrific run of six defeats from seven games in all competitions, Arne Slot’s side have bounced back with deserved wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, although their next opponents have won eight of their last 10 matches and remain one of the league’s toughest sides to break down.
What have Scholes and Keane predicted for Nottm Forest v Liverpool?
The pundits on Stick to Football gave their predictions for a selection of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, including the Forest–Liverpool clash, and the majority verdict was a home win.
With his Arsenal hat on, Ian Wright said:
“It’d be a good result to draw, but I think Forest will beat them,”
with Jill Scott and Keane both responding, “I do.”
Gary Neville sat on the fence and didn’t pick a winner, while Scholes – who recently said Liverpool are “a better team” than Real Madrid – added more certainty:
“I have a massive feeling. I just think Liverpool are better. 2–1.”
Liverpool can go to the City Ground with renewed confidence
A week ago, the trip to Nottingham might’ve felt daunting for Liverpool, but two terrific results over the past six days have given Slot’s men a surge of confidence ahead of what has become one of the weekend’s most intriguing fixtures.
If the Reds can pull off a repeat of last season’s win, it’ll feel like they’ve truly turned the corner after a disastrous October. But they’ll need their entire squad – especially the back line – to be at their absolute best on Saturday.
Forest’s home form and disciplined defensive structure make them a difficult opponent. Their aggressive press and quick transitions will test Liverpool’s focus throughout the 90 minutes.
Still, after nullifying stars like Kylian Mbappé in midweek, Slot’s team won’t fear the intensity of the Forest frontline.
Liverpool will need to be at their peak to secure three points this weekend – but their resurgence over the past week means they’ll travel to Nottingham with genuine belief that they can get the job done.
