By Ewan Hornell

Liverpool kick off their FA Cup campaign by hosting Barnsley in Monday night action at Anfield.  Barnsley defeated Peterborough 1-0 in the previous round back in December, whilst Liverpool are yet to win in 2026 so will be hoping the change of competition brings a change in fortune.

Match Preview

The last time these two sides met was in 2008 in this very competition. On that day it was Barnsley who caused the upset, beating Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield. 

Liverpool have not been without their cup scares this season either, as a 2-1 EFL Cup win against Southampton had its fair share of unnerving moments. However, after crashing out of the EFL Cup and being 14 points behind league leaders, Arsenal, the FA Cup could provide a carrot for the squad to chase. The FA Cup may be Liverpool’s best opportunity at ending the season with some silverware.

Three draws and only two goals is not how Slot would have wanted his side to start the new year. But, Barnsley could provide a much needed chance for Liverpool’s forward line to gain some confidence in front of goal and shake off the new year cobwebs.

Barnsley sit 17th in League One and only 2 points above the relegation places in what has been an underwhelming campaign for the Tykes. Earlier this season in the EFL Cup they faced Premier League opposition in Brighton, where they suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat.

Anything other than goals and a convincing performance against a much weaker, out of form side should be considered a sub-par evening for Liverpool.

Team News

The news that Conor Bradley will most likely miss the rest of the season and be requiring surgery after his injury suffered against Arsenal, adds to Liverpool’s unfortunate injury luck this season. This does make way for a potential Calvin Ramsay sighting in the starting eleven. Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Jayden Danns all remain unavailable with injuries of their own. Whilst Mo Salah is still at AFCON and won’t be available for selection.

On a more positive note there is a chance that Hugo Ekitike may return after missing the two previous games with a hamstring issue. Slot in the buildup this week has made note that it will be a strong Liverpool team he puts out with a lot of the usual suspects featuring in the team, whether that be from the start or off the bench.

Expect to see Liverpool go stronger from the start and then make changes and manage minutes if the game allows for it.

Predicted XI

Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Konate, Gomez, Robertson, Nyoni, Jones, Frimpong, Mac Allister, Ngumoha, Chiesa

Pre- Match Verdicts

Liverpool should have had an eye on Saturday’s FA Cup fixtures. Avoid replicating the upset of Macclesfield Crystal Place and try get as close to Manchester City Exeter as possible.

Prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Barnsley