Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Barnsley – Slot resists rest but Ngumoha finally starts
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Liverpool welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield in the FA Cup third round, with Arne Slot promising a **strong lineup** despite the temptation to heavily rotate. The manager is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s early cup exits, so established first-teamers are expected to feature alongside a handful of youngsters.[7][2]
In defence, injuries to **Giovanni Leoni** and **Conor Bradley**, plus the need to manage minutes for **Virgil van Dijk** and **Ibrahima Konaté**, point towards **Joe Gomez** and **Andy Robertson** starting together at centre-back again, as they did in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace.[3][7] New left-back **Milos Kerkez** is in line to start, while forgotten right-back **Calvin Ramsay** could make a rare appearance to cover Bradley’s absence.[3][7]
Midfield is likely to see some controlled rotation rather than wholesale change. **Curtis Jones** is expected to return to the XI, offering leadership and energy, while teenager **Trey Nyoni** is tipped to be handed a start alongside a more experienced partner to keep the structure solid.[3][4][7] With Slot wary of over-exposure, the selection balances development opportunities with the need for control in the middle of the pitch.[2][7]
In attack, injuries to **Alexander Isak** and doubts over **Hugo Ekitike**, plus **Mohamed Salah** being away at AFCON, create space for others to step up.[3][4][8] This tie is widely seen as the moment when highly rated winger **Rio Ngumoha finally starts**, having impressed in cameos and in training.[7] He is expected to feature off the left, with **Jeremie Frimpong** on the opposite flank and **Federico Chiesa** either leading the line or rotating across the front three.[3][7]
Overall, Slot’s predicted XI blends core first-team quality with select youngsters, aiming to maintain Liverpool’s momentum while safely navigating a potentially awkward cup tie.[2][4][7]