Considering Liverpool's Premier League title defence is in tatters, it would be surprising if they did not take the FA Cup seriously, with Barnsely set to travel to Anfield on Monday in the hosts' first match in the competition this season.
The Reds were eliminated by Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup last term, so they will hope to avoid an embarrassing third-round defeat against Barnsley, who beat Peterborough United 1-0 in the second round on December 6.
Contents
- 1 Liverpool vs Barnsley prediction: Giants struggling for goals?
- 2 Pre-game odds and win probability: Liverpool predicted to win by the bookmakers
- 3 Most recent H2Hs: Barnsley looking to strengthen record
- 4 Liverpool preview: Unbeaten, but too many draws
- 5 Barnsley preview: Poor form of late
- 6 Player to watch: Federico Chiesa
Liverpool vs Barnsley prediction: Giants struggling for goals?
Key stats
- Liverpool have scored one or fewer goals in nine of their last 16 games in all competitions.
- Barnsley have conceded at least two goals in five of their past six matches.
- The hosts have kept four clean sheets in their seven most recent fixtures.
Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Barnsley
Given Liverpool have not been particularly prolific in the final third, Monday's FA Cup clash could be relatively uneventful, especially as they have been strong defensively recently.
Barnsley's record at the back has room for improvement, so while they are sure to give their all, their Premier League opponents will likely have too much quality for them to overcome.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Liverpool predicted to win by the bookmakers
- HOME: 1/5 (1.2) – 83.3%
- DRAW: 13/2 (7.5) – 13.3%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12) – 8.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Liverpool are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 83.3%, and the bookmakers have little confidence in Barnsley's ability to earn a win at Anfield.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Barnsley looking to strengthen record
It will come as no surprise that Barnsley have rarely encountered Liverpool, with the clubs only meeting three times, but they do boast two wins compared to the Reds' one.
The last encounter between the two sides came in 2008 in the FA Cup, a game in which Barnsley emerged as 2-1 victors at Anfield, and they have in fact won both of the games they have played at the stadium.
England FA Cup 10/01/26
Liverpool
Barnsley
Liverpool preview: Unbeaten, but too many draws
Liverpool held Arsenal to a goalless stalemate at the Emirates on Thursday, and while that result in isolation was positive, they have now drawn half of their past 10 games, though they did avoid defeat in that period.
Arne Slot will undoubtedly make numerous changes from Thursday's XI, including at right-back due to the injury suffered by Conor Bradley, so expect Calvin Ramsey to feature in defence.
Predicted lineup: Mamardashvili (GK), Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez, Nyoni, Mac Allister, Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha & Chiesa
Last five results:
- Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
- Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
- Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United
- Liverpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool
Barnsley preview: Poor form of late
Barnsley's performances of late have been concerning considering they are winless in four games, with the club experiencing three defeats in that time.
The visitors will be unable to selected midfielder Luca Connell due to the red card he picked up against Wigan Athletic January 1, and his absence could lead to the selection of Adam Phillips and Jonathan Bland.
Predicted lineup: Mahoney (GK), Watson, Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl, Phillips, Bland, Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick & Keillor-Dunn
Last five results:
- Wigan Athletic 1-1 Barnsley
- Barnsley 0-2 Lincoln City
- Barnsley 2-3 Mansfield Town
- Exeter City 3-0 Barnsley
- Barnsley 3-2 Leyton Orient
Player to watch: Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa may not have established himself as a starter at Anfield, but he has still managed to contribute, with no other member of the squad to have played at least 400 minutes having produced more goals and assists per 90 (0.93).
The Italian has not been quite as effective from the start of matches – three assists and no goals in seven starts for Liverpool – so it will be interesting to see if he can impact Monday's game from the frontline.