Liverpool Team vs Barnsley Predicted as Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa Decisions Made

Liverpool face League One strugglers Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on Monday, entering as overwhelming favorites despite a 57-place gap in the football pyramid.[1][4] The Reds aim to kick off their cup campaign strongly under Arne Slot, following a mixed start to the 2025-26 season that included a Community Shield penalty loss to Crystal Palace and subsequent wins marred by late drama.[1][4]

Team News and Injuries

Liverpool grapple with significant absences: Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké (hamstring), Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić, and Wataru Endo are sidelined, while Mohamed Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations.[1][3][4] Rotation is expected against lower-league opposition, opening doors for youngsters like Rio Ngumoha, who has featured in cups but awaits Premier League minutes, and Trey Nyoni.[1][4][5] Federico Chiesa could lead the line centrally due to forward injuries, amid January transfer speculation.[3]

Barnsley, fighting relegation, miss suspended captain Luca Connell after a red card versus Wigan. Manager Hourihane has a near-fully fit squad post-postponements, balancing ambition with a key league clash ahead.[1][4]

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa.[1][3][4] Giorgi Mamardashvili gets rare minutes, Calvin Ramsay steps up at right-back, and Joe Gomez anchors defense with Andy Robertson centrally.[3]

Barnsley (4-2-3-1): Cooper (or Mahoney); Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jaló, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn.[1][4]

Preview and Prediction

Despite rotation and injuries, Liverpool's quality should prevail in an emphatic win, predicted 4-0 by analysts. Fans eagerly await Ngumoha's start and Chiesa's impact, as Slot fields a strong yet experimental side to avoid FA Cup upsets.[4][6] (298 words)