Fans can expect Arne Slot to put the best starting XI on the pitch as Liverpool open the FA Cup campaign vs League 1 side Barnsley on January 12th at Anfield. Slot says he learned his lesson after the Club’s early exit against Plymouth last season.
“Last season, I made the decision that some players needed to rest in the FA Cup because you cannot play every player every single time,” Slot said. “But it's obvious that we're not in the League Cup anymore. The FA Cup has always been very important for us, but sometimes in a season where you still are competing for the League Cup, for the Champions League, and the league – with the amount of players we had last season and have this season – you have to make choices. But I can guarantee you that on Monday you will see all the players that you saw [on Thursday], maybe with some substitutions, but then they will be on the bench. So that is going to be different than last season against Plymouth.”
Team News
As feared, Conor Bradley will be out for an extended period of time, maybe even the rest of the season. With what is being called a significant knee injury. He is set to have surgery and begin rehabilitation soon. Jayden Danns was expected to get some playing time in this competition, but the young striker is out with an injury as well. Slot added that if Hugo Ekitiké is fit, he will play, and that Federico Chiesa will see increased minutes.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili– This is a good chance for the backup keeper to show what he can do.
- RB: Jeremie Frimpong – Look for his pace to be key in transition against the Gunners.
- CB: Ibrahima Konaté (C) – Calvin Ramsey is another possibility here, but if Slot is looking for experience, Konaté is the best bet
- CB Joe Gomez – Joe Gomez is healthy now and has plenty of experience in big games
- LB: Andy Robertson - Against Barnsley, the slot should not need an offensive player like Milos Kerkez in this spot, so Robertson is the logical choice.
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister – MacAllister has cooled off in the last few games. He should find more space in this one and dominate.
- CM: Ryan Gravenberch – Continues his run as a regular starter under Slot.
- RW: Hugo Ekitiké – Subject to fitness. If he starts, he'll likely occupy the right or lead the line.
- AM: Curtis Jones- Capable of breaking through Barnsley’s defense if they set up a low block
- LW: Federico Chiesa – Slot says he will get more minutes in the FA Cup
- ST: Rio Ngumoha- Perfect time for the young striker to get a start up top
Key Stat to Watch: This game will be Liverpool's 455th match in the FA Cup – they have won 243 ties in total
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3 Barnsley 0
Star Man: Alexis Mac Allister
Where To Watch
| Match Info | UK Broadcast | US Broadcast | Canada Broadcast |
| Kick-off | 7:00 PM GMT | 2:45 PM ET | 2:45 PM ET |
| TV Channel | TNT Sports | ESPN + (Stream) | FuboTV |
| Live Stream | Discovery + | ESPN + | FuboTV Canada |
