Liverpool Seek First Victory as Nottingham Forest Aim for Anfield Hat-Trick

Anfield gets its first real look at the Andoni Iraola era today, and the stakes arrive early. Liverpool are still waiting for their first victory of the new Premier League season. Nottingham Forest are chasing something far more audacious: a third straight win and clean sheet on Merseyside.

Iraola’s competitive bow at Anfield comes a week after his side escaped from St James’ Park with a point that felt like daylight robbery. Liverpool trailed Newcastle 2-1 deep into stoppage-time, staring at an opening-day defeat, before Dominik Szoboszlai smashed home a last-gasp penalty with virtually the final kick. The new head coach walked away relieved; he knows they cannot live that dangerously every weekend.

The backdrop off the pitch is busy as well. Bradley Barcola is on course to join from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window shuts next week, a significant attacking addition, but the paperwork has not fallen into place in time. The French forward will have to wait for his Liverpool debut.

Forest arrive in a very different mood. Their season has started in a slump, with back-to-back home defeats to Leeds United that have already knocked them out of the Carabao Cup. Oliver Glasner, though, has reason to believe he can stir something on this ground. He built a handy record at Anfield during his time in charge of Crystal Palace and returns with another side that will not be intimidated by the surroundings.

He also has a new weapon. Liam Delap, signed from Chelsea in a £45million deal earlier this week, is available for his Forest debut. A statement fee, a powerful forward, and a manager who knows how to set up here: it’s enough to make Liverpool wary.

History only sharpens that edge. Forest come to Merseyside targeting all three points and a clean sheet at Anfield for the third season running, a remarkable prospect given the size of the task and the club’s recent struggles. Liverpool, with a new man in the dugout and a restless crowd ready to judge, simply cannot allow that storyline to repeat.

How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest

TV channel: In the UK, TNT Sports will show the game live. Coverage begins at 11am BST on TNT Sports 1, with kick-off at 12.30pm.

Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can watch the match online via the HBO Max app and website.