Liverpool will welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield on Monday night for a third-round FA Cup encounter. The Premier League giants currently sit fourth in the league table, while Barnsley occupy 17th in League One, highlighting the 57-place gap between the two clubs in the English football pyramid.
Liverpool’s season began with disappointment, losing on penalties to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. However, the Reds bounced back with seven consecutive victories across the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup. Despite these wins, there were warning signs, with several victories secured late, suggesting underlying struggles.
Their form dipped sharply after a second defeat to Crystal Palace in the league, resulting in just three wins from the following 12 matches across all competitions, alongside nine losses.
Manager Arne Slot has since steadied the ship, guiding Liverpool to a 10-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including five wins and five draws. Nevertheless, the Reds enter this FA Cup tie on the back of three consecutive draws, and Slot will be eager to return to winning ways and avoid another upset. Liverpool suffered a shock FA Cup exit last season, losing 1-0 to Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round.
Barnsley have endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign, sitting 17th in League One with eight wins, five draws, and eight defeats from 21 matches. The Tykes, however, still have games in hand, which could allow them to climb the table.
Recent form has been tough for Barnsley, who have not won in their last four matches, registering three losses and a draw. Their away form is also concerning, with only two wins in their last 12 road games alongside six defeats and four draws.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Liverpool face a number of injury concerns, with Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Stefan Bajcetic, and Wataru Endo all sidelined. Mohamed Salah remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations.Given the lower-league opposition, Slot may rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players like Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, and Calvin Ramsay.
Barnsley will be without midfielder Luca Connell, who serves a suspension following a straight red card against Wigan Athletic. The rest of the squad is fit and available, having not played since New Year’s Day due to the postponement of matches against Port Vale and Wycombe Wanderers.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool:
Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa
Barnsley:
Mahoney; Watson, Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-0 Barnsley
