Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest, new signing Chiesa pushing for debut and creating new dilemma

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Liverpool will look to extend their perfect start to the new Premier League season on Saturday, as they welcome Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest to Anfield.

The reds have impressed so far under new boss Arne Slot, with their best result to date – a 3-0 demolition of rivals Manchester United – coming just before the international break.

While the internationals may have given Trent Alexander-Arnold an opportunity to impress the likes of Roy Keane, for other Liverpool stars, it proved to be a nightmare fortnight.

Harvey Elliot suffers injury set-back on England U21 duty

Harvey Elliot was the biggest Liverpool casualty, as a foot fracture, picked up at St George’s Park, is set to rule the 21-year-old out of action until late October.

Fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also had an injury scare while playing for Argentina, although he is expected to be fit and ready for the visit of Forest.

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s star players returned to Kirby relatively unscathed. Given the performances shown by the Reds so far this season, it should see Slot field the same Liverpool XI that dismantled Manchester United two weeks ago.

• Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Jota

Will Chiesa made his Liverpool debut on Saturday?

It’s a familiar side for fans, but there is expected to be one new face on the bench for the hosts this weekend.

As has been widely reported, new club signing Federico Chiesa could be in line for a debut off the bench, having trained at Kirby during the international break.

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in a £12.5 million deal, and is very much viewed as Mohamed Salah’s understudy on the right-wing.

While a start against Forest is unlikely, don’t be surprised if the 26-year-old gets his first run out in red at some point on Saturday.

Forest too could hand one of their new summer signings a debut at Anfield. England international James Ward-Prowse arrived from West Ham United on loan before the transfer window slammed shut, and he could be thrown straight into the starting XI against Liverpool due to Ibrahim Sangare’s recent knock.