Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson, with a cap on, easily deals with Joe Gomez's mis-hit cross. Neither side testing the opposite keeper just yet.

Liverpool looking to progress down the right as James Milner plays it through to Roberto Fimrino and, from close to the touchline, he swings in a cross but Scott McKenna is well positioned to volley clear the cross.

Bright from Nottingham Forest as Cheikhou Kouyate shows quick feet to evade a couple of challenges in the midfield.

He passes it to Morgan Gibbs-White and he's looking to find the run of Taiwo Awoniyi but Fabinho does well to cut out the pass.

In Curtis Jones (21), Fabio Carvalho (20) and Harvey Elliott (19), Liverpool have named three players aged 21 or younger in a Premier League starting XI for the first time since New Year's Day 2018 against Burnley (Solanke, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold).

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at the City Ground

Image source, BBC Sport

The City Ground is not the biggest venue in the Premier League. Far from it. But as atmospheres go, it's right up there. The place is bouncing.

And we're ready for a busy Saturday in the Premier League. Here comes the first of four games.

Referee Paul Tierney blows his whistle and off we go.

Danny Murphy
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

I like the fact Forest gave Steve Cooper the contract. It gives everyone at the club stability; he's going to get the next month or two you'd think to try and find stability.

They've been harder to beat and play against. He's done so well for them. Out of any sackings in the Premier League, his would have been the harshest after what he achieved in such a short space of time, but he's going to have to learn quickly. I don't think Forest are playing the way he wants, he doesn't want to be pragmatic.

But he's trying to build a foundation to get results, he's right to go with a low block. He's got to find a balance because nobody wants to watch that.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to the atmosphere at the City Ground but expects a different challenge against Nottingham Forest compared to last season's encounter.

Liverpool edged past Steve Cooper's side in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Diogo Jota scoring the only goal of the game.

Klopp said: "The atmosphere will be outstanding I am 100% sure. I liked it as an experience. It’s one thing to talk about because everyone tells you but you want to experience it yourself.

"When we faced them last time they were full of confidence, they were really flying and 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%, they will fight for everything and want to change their situation. That’s what we have to expect.

"They have a lot of options especially up front, but in the end it’s a football game and we have to make sure we can bring through our stuff."

Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

You look at Forest now and think 'right, maybe they've found an answer to the back four'. They've found a midfield three; the first problem is to stop conceding goals. They've conceded two in three since going to a 4-3-3, but now the goals have dried up.

Image source, .

Nottingham Forest only lost narrowly to Liverpool in last season's FA Cup but they obviously have a completely different team now, and they are struggling.

Forest held out for a point at Brighton on Tuesday and got a clean sheet, which might give them a bit of confidence, but they offered very little in front of goal.

They need to get the balance right between defence and attack and they badly need a victory, but it is hard to see them managing any of that against Liverpool.

The Reds were far from great themselves against West Ham in midweek but, even if they are not at their best, I'd still expect them to win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

For this weekend's fixtures, Sutton is up against Leicester Riders basketball duo Patrick Whelan and Blake Bowman, who are both Manchester United fans.

Click here for the full predictions.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says his side are “more motivated than ever” to improve results and has called on his players to be “almost perfect” when they host Liverpool.

Forest earned a draw at Brighton in their last outing but remain without a win in nine league games.

Cooper said: "We have to be almost perfect in all parts of our game to play well. But why not?

"We'll be going into the game with confidence. We know results are nowhere near where we want them or where they should be, but the spirit is strong and the togetherness is strong.

"We don't look like a set of players and staff that have had poor results - because that can easily happen when you've had some harsh defeats. We're actually really determined and more motivated than ever."

Danny Murphy
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't think this will be as straightforward [for Liverpool] as some are suggesting. Forest are fighting for their lives, and also looking at the team news with no Thiago, which is a blow, and Darwin Nunez, with three of the young lads in.

Milner at right-back, Trent [Alexander-Arnold] being rested on the bench. With [Mohamed Salah and [Roberto] Firmino down the middle, I think Liverpool will win but I don't think it'll be as easy as some think.

Anon: Liverpool need midfielders but lack of them means more chances for youngsters like Elliot, Jones, Carvalho. Very interesting and exciting line-up. Starting games will definitely help in the long run.

Mark: Whilst it's fine to have one eye on your next game, I'd prefer to have at least one recognisable forward on the bench please Jurgen!

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at the City Ground

Thiago Alcantara is missing from Liverpool's midfield today because of an overnight ear infection.

"The decision was made this morning at 5.15. That’s how it is sometimes and that’s the reason for that," Reds boss Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport.

The Liverpool boss also gave a fitness update on Darwin Nunez.

"For Darwin the game comes too early, he still feels the intensity of the game muscle-wise so there was no chance he could play today. Maybe he could play tomorrow or on Monday but not today."

Image source, BBC Sport

• This is the first league meeting between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool since a 2-2 draw in April 1999, though Liverpool won an FA Cup tie between the two at the City Ground last season.
• The City Ground is the only ground Liverpool have played at more than once in the Premier League and never won.
• Forest are on the longest current winless run in the Premier League, drawing three and losing six times since beating West Ham 1-0 in August.
• Liverpool have failed to win any of their four Premier League away games so far this season.

Mark Willis: Whilst it's fine to have one eye on your next game, I'd prefer to have at least one recognisable forward on the bench please Jurgen!

Football Thoughts: Liverpool need midfielders but lack of them means more chances for youngsters like Elliot, Jones, Carvalho. Very interesting and exciting line-up. Starting games will definitely help in the long run.

Nicholas Walker: It may be the accumulator I have talking, but I see Forest getting something here. We can all pray.

Football Focus is just starting on BBC One so press play at the top of this page to watch along.

Among the features is an interview with Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who scored the winner for the Gunners in a 1-0 Europa League win over PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.