Arne Slot makes Liverpool FA Cup selection promise as seven set to start - 'I can guarantee you'

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has promised to name a strong side for the FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley at Anfield, insisting there will be no repeat of last season’s early exit when a much-changed team lost to Plymouth. He stresses that all available players who featured in the recent 0-0 draw with Arsenal will be involved again, underlining his commitment to treating the FA Cup as a major priority for the club this season.

Slot explains that circumstances are different from last year, when Liverpool were still competing on multiple fronts, including the League Cup and Champions League, and squad rotation felt unavoidable. Now, with fewer competitions to manage, he says he can “guarantee” that several regular starters will begin the Barnsley game, with only limited rotation and “some substitutions” to the usual XI.

The Dutchman accepts the criticism he received for the previous FA Cup selection but defends the reasoning at the time, pointing out the physical demands on his squad. However, he acknowledges the lessons learned and makes clear that he understands both the tradition and expectations surrounding Liverpool’s relationship with the FA Cup.

On team news, Slot confirms that Conor Bradley will miss out through injury, while there is optimism that striker Hugo Ekitike could return to contention if he suffers no setback in his recovery. Midfielder Wataru Endo is close to resuming training but is not expected to be ready in time, and youngster Jayden Danns also remains sidelined. Slot adds that forward Federico Chiesa is “definitely” an option to feature, highlighting how often he has already relied on the Italian this season.

Overall, Slot frames the Barnsley tie as an opportunity to push strongly for silverware, insisting that Liverpool’s selection and attitude will reflect the seriousness with which they now approach the FA Cup.