By David 
Alright, let me walk you through exactly how I tackled figuring out how Forest might actually pull off a win against Liverpool this weekend. No fancy stuff, just me sitting down with a coffee this morning, trying to make sense of it.
First, I Just Dug Into How Liverpool Smashes Teams
Started simple. Coffee getting cold while I pulled up their last few game clips, especially away games. Felt like Liverpool just walks over you these days, man. They play this high line, defenders practically in midfield, and when you get the ball? Bam. Van Dijk just eats strikers for breakfast. Diaz and Salah down the sides? Constant buzzing like flies you can’t swat. Looks impossible to get through. The key thing that hit me? Teams that try to play out from the back against them usually get absolutely murdered. Seen it happen too many times.
The Lightbulb Moment? Remembering That One Bournemouth Game
Was starting to feel kinda hopeless for Forest. Then I remembered Bournemouth earlier this season. Didn’t try pretty stuff against Liverpool. Nope. They just planted themselves deep, deep in their own half. Like, everyone behind the ball, parking the biggest bus they could find. And they didn’t even mess around trying fancy passes out. Long balls straight up the field. Just booted it clear every single time Liverpool came knocking. Let Liverpool have the ball way out near halfway, but basically told them “Good luck trying anything past this brick wall!” Got a result too. Ding! That clicked.
So, here’s what I think Forest absolutely HAS to do:
- Sit So Deep You Can’t See Them Anymore: Forget trying to win the ball high. Just camp out. All ten outfield players tucked deep inside our own third. Make it crowded as hell. Like trying to walk through a packed subway train at rush hour. Liverpool hates that.
- No Messing About At The Back: Forget looking composed passing out. Moussa Niakhaté, Murillo, just smash it long. Aim for Chris Wood and maybe Taiwo if he’s fit. Or just boot it into their half anywhere. No risky passes near our own box. Too dangerous. One mistake and Salah kills you.
- Wingbacks? Stick Like Glue: Ola Aina and Neco Williams (or whoever plays) – their one job? Track Diaz and Salah. Stay tight. Don’t go wandering. Stay goalside. Basically become human shields on the flanks. Make those wide guys cut inside into the crowd, not sprint down the line.
- Central Mids: Break Legs (Figuratively!) Danilo, Domínguez, Yates – guys need to be absolutely everywhere in that packed zone in front of the backline. Close down anyone receiving the ball in that area. Don’t give Szoboszlai or Mac Allister space to pick a pass. Just hound them. Constant pressure the second they get near our penalty area.
- Counter Like Lightning (But Realistically): If somehow we do nick the ball? Don’t build slowly. Don’t wait. One or two passes MAX. Get it forward quick to Wood or Elanga and just RUN. Hope for chaos in their box from a long ball or a hopeful cross. Our one slim chance: a set piece scrambled in, or a lucky punt and finish. That’s it. Trying to play pretty football? Forget it. Just survive then smack it towards their goal.
Practically tried to sketch this out watching clips and thinking about our squad. Is it exciting? Hell no. Is it pretty? Nope. But looking at how Liverpool demolishes teams that try to play? And remembering Bournemouth? This ugly, gritty, deep block and smash approach? Yeah, honestly? It’s our only real shot at nicking something. Maybe. Just maybe.
