Liverpool vs Barnsley LIVE: Szoboszlai Stunner Hands Reds the Lead, FA Cup Fourth-Round Draw

Liverpool hosted Barnsley at Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Monday, January 12, 2026, kicking off at 19:45 UTC (2:45 PM ET), marking the penultimate fixture of the round. Under manager Arne Slot, the Reds aimed to avoid an upset against the League One side, recalling their shock defeat to Plymouth Argyle last season after heavy rotation.[3][4]

The match carried historical weight: Liverpool lost 1-2 to Barnsley in the 2007-08 fifth round but won four prior ties dating back to 1894-95.[3] Slot defended his previous selections, promising a strong lineup amid a nine-match unbeaten run in top-flight games (five draws), including a recent goalless draw vs. leaders Arsenal. Injuries clouded Hugo Ekitike's availability.[3]

Barnsley, managed by former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane (November's League One Manager of the Month), struggled with one win in six league games. They sought a giant-killing like non-league Macclesfield's win over Crystal Palace.[3][4]

Lineups featured Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai prominently; a stunner from the midfielder gave the Reds an early lead, electrifying Anfield.[1][4] Barnsley's attack relied on D. Kellior-Dunn (2 goals in recent matches) and P. Kelly.[6] Live updates from FotMob, Sofascore, Sky Sports, and ESPN tracked possession, xG, shots, and momentum via Opta stats.[1][2][5]

As the game progressed into the second half, Liverpool pressed for more goals ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round draw. Barnsley defended resiliently, but the hosts' quality shone. Slot's side eyes silverware, with the Cup their prime domestic shot amid Champions League pursuits. Community votes favored Liverpool heavily.[2][4] Full-time details and highlights promised post-match analysis across platforms.[5][6]

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