We’re backing Iraola’s Reds to grab their first win of the season.

After surviving a scare at St. James’ in their Premier League campaign opener, Liverpool are back on familiar ground this Saturday, as Andoni Iraola steps out for his competitive Reds debut at Anfield.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty snatched a 2-2 draw on Tyneside, and Iraola admitted there’s work to be done after dodging defeat in his first league game in charge.

Oliver Glasner was less fortunate on his Nottingham Forest debut, as Anton Stach pinched all three points for Leeds United at the City Ground. That sets up nicely for PP tipster Tom Desborough to deliver his Liverpool v Nottingham Forest lunchtime Bet Builder – why not use your FREE Bet Builder this week on it?

Liverpool v Forest Bet Builder tips

Liverpool to win
Both teams to score: Yes
Cody Gakpo to score
Alexander Isak 2+ shots on target including woodwork
Morgan Gibbs-White 2+ shots

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 14/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

WHEN: Saturday, 29th August 2026 @ 12:30pm
WHERE: Anfield, Liverpool.
TV: TNT Sports 1/HBOMax

Liverpool to win

Despite a rocky start away at Newcastle last weekend, I’m expecting Liverpool to get their season on track here. They have a few issues to iron out, but a visit from an already struggling Nottingham Forest could provide the perfect scenario for Iraola’s side to discover some form.

Forest were unimpressive in defeat against Leeds last Saturday, and they followed that up with an even more toothless loss to Daniel Farke’s side in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. A trip to Anfield is the last thing Oliver Glasner’s side needs right now, and I expect it could leave them on zero points from two games.

Both teams to score: Yes

One thing that has been a constant in Iraola’s brief time at Liverpool is both teams getting on the scoresheet. The Reds conceded two or more goals in three of their pre-season games before letting two in at St James’ Park last Sunday.

Iraola’s style of football will leave Liverpool vulnerable to counterattacks, giving Nottingham Forest chances on Saturday. Forest scoring might be easier said than done, but I’m backing them to do so, even if it’s just a consolation.

Cody Gakpo to score

There have been rumours swirling around a potential Liverpool exit for Cody Gakpo this summer, but as we edge closer to the end of the summer transfer window, that now seems more and more unlikely.

The Dutchman presently seems unaffected by the whispers, and got his season off to a goalscoring start in Liverpool’s opener against Newcastle. This follows on nicely from the three goals he bagged in the 2026 World Cup.

Gakpo will get a lot of shooting opportunities in Iraola’s system this season, and I’m backing him to continue his goalscoring form here.

Alexander Isak 2+ shots on target including woodwork

Alongside Gakpo, Alexander Isak will pose Liverpool’s attacking threat through the middle on Saturday. He may not have gotten the goal he wanted back at his old stomping ground in Newcastle last weekend, but he did manage two shots on target.

Nottingham Forest allowed Leeds to have 11 shots against them last Saturday, with three of them hitting the target. It’s fair to say that Liverpool are capable of having a lot more if Forest allow them that sort of space, and if they do, Isak will certainly be a prime candidate to have at least two of them.

Morgan Gibbs-White 2+ shots

Up the other end, Nottingham Forest fans will hope that last season’s top scorer Morgan Gibbs-White can at the very least keep Liverpool goalkeeper Allison busy. The midfielder scored an impressive 15 goals despite Forest’s struggles last season and will want to open his account here.

Gibbs-White managed three shots against a compact Leeds side last weekend, and if Liverpool are as susceptible to counterattacks as we’re expecting them to be, then he can certainly have the opportunity to have at least two on Saturday.

Liverpool v Forest Bet Builder tips

Liverpool to win
Both teams to score: Yes
Cody Gakpo to score
Alexander Isak 2+ shots on target including woodwork
Morgan Gibbs-White 2+ shots

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 14/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

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