Arne Slot may be preparing to unleash a surprise on Barnsley as Liverpool get up for the FA Cup - opinion
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot is poised to spring a tactical and selection surprise when his side face Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield. The article argues that, after last season’s heavily rotated and ultimately disastrous FA Cup exit, Slot is determined to treat this year’s competition with far greater seriousness and may use Barnsley as the stage to unveil a new-look Liverpool setup.
Slot has publicly pledged that the FA Cup is now a genuine priority, and that there will be no repeat of the weakened XI that crashed out at Plymouth last term. The piece suggests that most of the players involved in the recent draw with Arsenal are expected to feature in some capacity, underlining a clear shift in attitude and hinting that any “surprise” will come within a strong, near full-strength squad rather than from mass rotation.
The article speculates that Slot’s surprise could involve a bold team selection or a tweak in shape designed to accelerate the integration of key players earmarked for bigger roles later in the season. It highlights the opportunity to blend established stars with emerging talents, using Barnsley as both a serious cup tie and a controlled environment to test new ideas. Certain fringe or returning players are tipped as possible starters, with the suggestion that Slot may be ready to trust them in more prominent positions than expected.
Overall, the tone is optimistic: Liverpool are portrayed as “up for the FA Cup,” with Slot eager not only to progress but to build momentum and narrative around his project. The looming Barnsley tie is framed as a potential turning point, where a strong selection, a sharper tactical edge, and one or two unexpected calls from Slot could signal that Liverpool intend to attack this competition with the intensity traditionally associated with the club.