FOREST 'SERIOUS TITLE RIVALS'

Reds boss Slot adds that it will be tough to beat the only side they lost to this EPL term

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Arne Slot says high-flying Nottingham Forest "deserve" to be treated as English Premier League title contenders as he prepares Liverpool for a tricky trip to the City Ground on Jan 14.

Third-placed Forest, responsible for Liverpool's only league defeat of the season, can move just three points behind the title favourites if they win a seventh straight league game in midweek.

Forest finished just outside the relegation places last season and their surge towards the top of the table is a big surprise.

But Slot, speaking at his prematch press conference on Jan 13, said Nuno Espirito Santo's team must be considered as serious rivals.

"I've always said that you can judge the table best halfway through the season, and that moment is there now," said the Dutchman.

"So if Forest is up there with us, with Arsenal, Chelsea, (Manchester) City and all the others, then they definitely are a team that's in competition with us and with the other teams.

"And they deserve to be treated like this if you look at the way they play, if you look at their results.