Liverpool vs Barnsley: Predicted Lineup & FA Cup Team News

Liverpool host Barnsley at Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Monday, January 12, 2026, with kick-off at 7:45 p.m. GMT (2:45 p.m. ET). The Reds are heavy favorites but face injury challenges ahead of this tie under manager Arne Slot.[1][2]

Match Details

The game takes place at Anfield, Liverpool, England, refereed by Farai Hallam with no VAR in use. Liverpool aim to progress in the cup while rotating their squad against lower-league Barnsley, who are fighting relegation and face Blackpool next weekend.[1]

Liverpool Team News

Several key players are sidelined: Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké (hamstring doubt), Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić, and Wataru Endo. Mohamed Salah is absent at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. Rotation is expected, with fans eager for Rio Ngumoha to start after cup minutes. Hugo Ekitiké may return but could be rested as the only natural center-forward available.[1][2][4]

Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mamardashvili (GK); Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa.
Alternatives mention Calvin Ramsay at right-back, Andy Robertson at left-back, Curtis Jones in midfield, and potential starts for young talents like Ngumoha on the left.[1][2][3]

Barnsley Team News

Captain Luca Connell is suspended after a red card. Few fitness issues otherwise, as manager Hourihane balances ambition with squad preservation.[1]

Barnsley Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Cooper (GK); Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jaló, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn. Standout players include D. Keillor-Dunn (2 goals in 2 matches) and P. Kelly (1 goal).[1][5]

Arne Slot promises a strong side, but injuries may test depth. Barnsley dream of an upset, echoing their 2008 FA Cup win over Liverpool (2-1).[1][5] Predictions favor a comfortable Liverpool victory.[1][3]

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