Who would’ve thought it? Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool a top of the table clash at the City Ground this evening 20:00. It has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Nuno Espírito Santo received Manager of The Month for December and is currently the only manager to beat Arne Slot in the Premier League this season. After revitalising his career at Al-Ittihad, winning the Saudi Pro League, his return to England was met with open arms by Forest fans. He was successful in keeping Forest in the Premier League last season, finishing 17th but 6 points clear of the drop. He’s changed his own coaching philosophy in order to succeed, his base 5-2-3 setup has been ditched for a counter attacking 4-2-3-1 style that has brought the Garibaldis great success. With 40 points, currently sitting 3rd in the table. Forest are in dreamland.

Chris Wood has been the talisman with 12 goals so far this season. The New Zealand international has the second best goal conversion percentage in the league at 29.4%. In comparison Luis Diaz is Liverpool’s most clinical in-front of goal at 21.6%, Mohamed Salah is at 18.8%.

But them sort of numbers don’t come from nowhere. Unbelievable service from Elliot Anderson, who joined the club for £35m this season, has chipped in with 5 assists for the side. Midfield partner Morgan Gibbs-White has 3 assists and 4 goals.

The loss against Nottm’ Forest at Anfield has haunted Arne Slot and he will be looking to amend the record this time around. Liverpool created many chances, Luis Diaz hit the woodwork and Matz Sels denied Diogo Jota, Alexis MacAllister and Mohamed Salah. Ultimatly Callum Hudson-Odoi went onto punish the reds with an excellent strike to secure a 0-1 win for the visitors.

Last season was drama! A Liverpool starting XI featuring Bobby Clark, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez in midfield won late on. Substitute Darwin Nunez would head home a 99th’ minute winner to secure all 3 points in a 0-1 victory for the reds.

Nuno Espírito Santo will only be without Ibrahim Sangaré who is dealing with a hamstring injury. The Portuguese manager made 11 changes in their FA Cup fixture this weekend against Luton Town. There should be no tired legs for this one.

Arne Slot will still be without Joe Gomez. There will be no late heroics from Darwin Nunez this time around, the Uruguayan is serving a suspension after accumulating 5 yellow cards.

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