Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Nottingham Forest’s predicament will make for an even tougher test on Saturday than the one his team faced in the FA Cup last season.
The Reds went toe-to-toe with Klopp’s men at the City Ground in March, pushing them all the way as they fell 1-0 at the quarter-final stage of the competition. Diogo Jota’s goal proved to be the difference on that occasion, but the hosts created some decent chances of their own - including one for loanee Philip Zinckernagel shortly before the late winner.
Much has changed Trentside since then, following promotion to the Premier League, not least in terms of personnel. It will be a very different Forest side which lines up for the 12.30pm kick-off, on the back of a summer overhaul which saw 22 signings made.
READ MORE: Transfer 'discussions' take place over move for Forest defender
READ MORE: Filippo Giraldi plan set out as Nottingham Forest aim 'to build'
Moreover, the last time the teams met, Steve Cooper’s team were unbeaten in nine in all competitions as they battled at the top end of the Championship. This weekend, they go into the game without a win in nine Premier League outings and sitting bottom of the table. But Klopp knows the difference the home crowd can make, and he also expects Forest to be galvanised by their situation.
“A lot of things are clear. The atmosphere will be outstanding, I am 100 percent sure,” he said. “I like that as an experience. It’s one thing talking about it, because everybody tells you about it, and another to experience it yourself.
“When we faced them last time they were full of confidence and really flying. We felt that. It was a well-trained team, which they still are, but in that moment all the pieces fell in place pretty much.
“That’s different this season. But that makes it even more difficult, because now the spirit will be at 100 percent, they will fight for everything and they want to change their situation. That’s what we have to expect.
“Line-up wise, (Brennan) Johnson definitely played (in the cup game), (Ryan) Yates played, if I’m right, and some others. There will be a lot of different players on the pitch, that’s clear. We had all the images to see how they will probably line up. They have a lot of options, especially up front.
“But in the end, it’s a football game. We have to make sure we can bring our stuff.”
What's your score prediction against Liverpool? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
