Liverpool's New Era Begins: Iraola's First Home Game Against Forest

Anfield braces for a new era at Saturday lunchtime, as Liverpool open their home campaign under Andoni Iraola against a Forest side led by Oliver Glasner and hungry to make an early statement of their own.

Iraola’s first Anfield test

This isn’t just another early-season fixture. It’s Iraola’s first home game in charge of Liverpool, a landmark moment that will shape the early mood around his reign. The Reds arrive with work to do after a scrappy 2-2 draw at Newcastle on the opening weekend, a performance that mixed flashes of promise with familiar frailties.

Anfield expects a response. Iraola needs a result.

Bold call in attack

He has not tiptoed into this one. In a clear show of intent, Iraola has thrown Munoz straight into the starting XI, handing the forward a high-pressure start in front of the Kop. Rio Ngumoha, who started at St James’ Park, drops to the bench.

The headline, though, is that Cody Gakpo stays in the side.

Tottenham’s interest in the Dutchman is growing, his future the subject of constant noise, but inside Anfield today he remains central to Liverpool’s plans. Gakpo lines up as part of a dangerous-looking front line alongside Munoz, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak adding guile and cutting edge. On paper, it’s an attacking unit built to suffocate Forest and pin them deep.

If Iraola wants his Liverpool to be aggressive and front-foot, this is exactly the kind of selection that broadcasts it.

Defence built on youth and authority

At the other end of the pitch, the manager has backed youth again. Jeremy Jacquet, the highly-rated young centre-back, keeps his place after starting at Newcastle. He partners captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence, a blend of raw promise and seasoned authority.

That pairing means loan signing Ronald Araujo must wait his turn on the bench, a reminder that reputations alone will not dictate selection under Iraola.

Injury problems bite

All of this comes against a backdrop of significant absences. Liverpool’s squad is already being stretched in key areas.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike remains out as he continues his rehabilitation from the serious Achilles injury he suffered in April. His absence strips Iraola of another natural striker option at a time when he is trying to shape a new attacking identity.

Defensively, the options are even thinner. Joe Gomez is still sidelined with a muscle problem, while Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are both working their way back from knee injuries. Those setbacks narrow the manager’s choices at the back and place even more responsibility on Jacquet and van Dijk to deliver stability.

Momentum on the line

For Glasner and Forest, this trip to Merseyside is a chance to disrupt the narrative and steal early-season momentum. For Iraola, it is about ignition: first home game, first win, first real roar from Anfield under his watch.

The stage is set. Now Liverpool must show whether this new era will start with a stutter or a statement.