Liverpool vs Barnsley: FA Cup Third Round Clash at Anfield

Liverpool hosted Barnsley in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Anfield, kicking off at 7:45 PM UTC. The match ended in a tense 0-0 draw, setting the stage for a replay as both teams battled fiercely for progression.[5][2]

Match Overview

The Premier League giants Liverpool, riding high in their league form with recent draws against Arsenal (0-0) and Fulham (2-2), faced Championship strugglers Barnsley. Barnsley, competing in Sky Bet League One, showed resilience with a recent 1-1 draw against Wigan but entered with mixed results including losses to Lincoln and Mansfield.[5]

Despite Liverpool's favoritism—listed as -2.5 on betting lines—the game remained goalless through regular time. No goals were scored in the first half (HT) or full time (FT), with no extra time reported yet. Live updates promised real-time stats like possession, shots, and xG via platforms like FotMob and ESPN.[2][3][5]

Key Stats and Players to Watch

• Head-to-Head: Historic tension; Barnsley famously upset Liverpool 2-1 in the 2008 FA Cup. Recent H2H shows competitive encounters.[2][3]
• Barnsley Standouts: D. Kellior-Dunn (2 goals in recent matches), P. Kelly (1 goal), N. Farrugia (2 assists).[3]
• Liverpool Edge: Strong home form, including wins over Wolves (2-1) and Brighton (2-0). A "lucky charm" narrative surrounds their 11-from-11 streak in similar ties.[1][5]

Context and Stakes

This FA Cup third-round tie evoked the magic of cup football, with lower-league Barnsley aiming to repeat past giant-killings amid broader weekend upsets like Macclesfield's shock win. Liverpool sought to defend their form, while Barnsley eyed a lucrative replay or progression. Post-match, attention turns to odds, highlights, and the replay draw.[3][2]

Viewers tuned in via Sky Sports, ESPN, and FotMob for live scores, Opta stats, and streaming options. The stalemate underscores the FA Cup's unpredictability.[5][1]

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