Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Reds Seek First Win Under Iraola

Liverpool will look to secure their first victory of the new Premier League campaign when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday.

The match will be a significant occasion for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who will take charge of his first competitive home fixture since replacing the club's previous boss.

The Reds opened their league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle, recovering from a difficult position to claim a point away from home. However, Iraola will be demanding a stronger performance as Liverpool begin their push towards the top of the table.

Forest arrive on Merseyside in considerably worse form. Oliver Glasner's side have suffered defeats in both of their opening matches this season, with Leeds United beating them 1-0 in the Premier League before securing a 2-0 victory in the League Cup.

Both teams therefore have plenty of motivation to turn their fortunes around.

Iraola wants Liverpool to strengthen

Liverpool remain active in the transfer market as Iraola attempts to add depth to a squad that has been stretched by injuries and departures.

The club are reportedly close to reaching an agreement for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, while Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr have also been linked with moves to Anfield.

Liverpool's need for attacking reinforcements has become more pressing following Mohamed Salah's departure.

Iraola acknowledged that the club are looking to bring in additional wide players but stressed that no deal has been completed.

"We are trying to improve or fill that position because we don't have the numbers," he said ahead of Saturday's match.

The manager also refused to rule out further departures before the transfer window closes.

Cody Gakpo has attracted reported interest from Manchester City and Tottenham, despite scoring Liverpool's second goal in the draw at Newcastle.

Iraola said he could not guarantee that any player would remain at the club while the transfer window is still open.

Glasner demands patience at Forest

Forest manager Oliver Glasner has already found himself under pressure after the club's difficult start.

Following the midweek defeat to Leeds, Glasner voiced frustration at expectations surrounding his team, pointing out that Forest had spent much of last season battling against relegation.

The Austrian argued that the departure of midfielder Elliot Anderson had weakened the squad and said it was unrealistic to expect an immediate challenge for European qualification simply because he had taken charge.

Glasner insisted he was not looking for excuses, but said his players would need time and hard work to improve.

"I'm no magician, no messiah, just hard work," he said.

There was at least some positive news for Forest during the week, with the club breaking their transfer record to sign young striker Liam Delap from Chelsea for a reported £45 million ($61 million).

The forward could provide an important attacking option as Forest attempt to climb the table.

Liverpool favourites at Anfield

Liverpool enter the match as clear favourites according to Opta's prediction model.

The Reds have been given a 61.1 percent chance of victory, compared with an 18.2 percent probability of a Forest win. A draw is rated at 20.7 percent.

Liverpool also hold the historical advantage between the teams, winning 61 of their 124 previous meetings. Forest have won 33, while 30 matches have ended in draws.

The most recent meeting came in February, when Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 victory at the City Ground.

Alexis Mac Allister scored the decisive goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time after Liverpool had struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the match.

Liverpool team news

Liverpool continue to deal with several injury concerns.

Hugo Ekitike is recovering from an Achilles injury, while right-back Conor Bradley and centre-back Giovanni Leoni are sidelined with knee problems. Joe Gomez is also unavailable because of a muscle injury.

Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack, with Florian Wirtz operating behind him in the number 10 position.

Gakpo is likely to start on the left despite the speculation surrounding his future, while Victor Munoz could be rewarded for an impressive substitute appearance against Newcastle with a starting place on the right.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Forest team news

Forest will be without defender Nicolo Savona after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Midfielder Ryan Yates is also expected to miss the trip to Anfield.

Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White are doubts after picking up knocks, although Forest remain hopeful that both players will recover in time to feature.

Predicted Forest XI: Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, McAtee, Sangare, Netz; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus.

With both clubs searching for their first league win, Saturday's encounter promises to be an important early test for two managers beginning new chapters with their respective teams.