Things to Expect When Liverpool Plays Barnsley in the FA Cup 3rd Round

Liverpool face League One strugglers Barnsley at Anfield on Monday, January 12, 2026, in the Emirates FA Cup third round, entering as overwhelming favorites despite the cup's history of upsets.[1][2]

Match Details

The game kicks off at 7:45 p.m. GMT (2:45 p.m. ET) with referee Farai Hallam and no VAR. Liverpool boast a perfect 11-0 FA Cup record on January 12, aiming to extend their 10-match unbeaten run after drawing 0-0 at Arsenal.[1][3][2]

Head-to-Head and Form

Barnsley, two points above relegation in League One, have won their last two Anfield visits (2-1 in 2008 FA Cup, 1-0 in 1998 Premier League) but arrive on a poor run: three defeats in four, no clean sheet in six.[1][2] Captain Luca Connell is suspended; Georgie Gent, Marc Roberts, and Nathanael Ogbeta may return.[6]

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot could welcome back Hugo Ekitike (hamstring), but Conor Bradley is out with a knee injury, Mohamed Salah on international duty, and Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, Jayden Danns sidelined.[6] Expect rotation: predicted lineup (4-2-3-1) – Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa. Fringe players like Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, and Rio Ngumoha eye chances to impress.[1][2]

Predictions and Expectations

Despite Liverpool's recent inconsistency, a comfortable win is anticipated against financially constrained Barnsley, who need FA Cup magic for an upset. Barnsley's fresher legs from a 10-day break add intrigue, but Liverpool's quality should prevail.[1][2] This tie offers Slot's backups a platform amid injuries.

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