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FA Cup Preview – Liverpool FC vs Barnsley

Date: Monday, 12 January 2026

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Liverpool returns to Anfield for FA Cup duty knowing this competition now carries added weight. After a physically demanding and emotionally charged outing against Arsenal, Arne Slot will be expected to rotate heavily — not out of disrespect for the cup, but out of necessity. The schedule has been relentless, confidence fragile, and the priority in January is keeping key players functional rather than flogged.

Barnsley arrive with nothing to lose and everything to gain. For them, this is a free hit under the lights of Anfield. For Liverpool, it is an obligation — but also an opportunity to reset, refresh, and perhaps remind the wider squad that standards still matter, regardless of circumstance.

This is not about glamour. It is about control, professionalism, and avoiding another self-inflicted crisis.

Barnsley: Organisation, Energy, and a Simple Game Plan

Barnsley will not attempt to outplay Liverpool. They will look to frustrate, compete, and turn the match into something uncomfortable. Expect a compact shape, aggressive second-ball recovery, and direct transitions aimed at exposing any complacency in a rotated Liverpool side.

The visitors’ approach will be familiar: defend the box, challenge every duel, and hope to capitalise on moments of uncertainty. Set pieces will be their clearest route to goal, and the longer the game stays level, the more belief will grow.

For Liverpool, the warning signs are obvious. Recent opponents have caused problems by doing far less than Barnsley will attempt here. Intensity cannot dip simply because the names on the teamsheet change.

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Liverpool: Rotation With Responsibility

Rotation is inevitable — and necessary. Players who emptied the tank at the Emirates should not be asked to do so again this quickly. That opens the door for squad players and younger options to stake a claim, but this cannot resemble the throwaway cup selections of recent weeks.

This should be about balance. Experience mixed with freshness. Authority alongside hunger.

A back line featuring Joe Gomez and Calvin Ramsay would make sense, while the midfield should lean on structure rather than invention alone. Curtis Jones’ presence would offer control, allowing more adventurous profiles to operate ahead of him. Up front, this feels like a night for players who need minutes and confidence — not reputations.

The FA Cup has a habit of punishing arrogance. Liverpool does not need brilliance here; they need discipline, tempo, and clarity of roles. Anything less invites chaos, and chaos has not been Liverpool’s friend this season.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3):

GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB – Calvin Ramsay

CB – Joe Gomez

CB – Amara Nallo

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Michael Laffey

CM – Curtis Jones

CM – Trey Nyoni

RW – Federico Chiesa

CF – Will Wright

LW – Rio Ngumoha

Final Word

This is a night to steady the ship, not rock it. The FA Cup offers Liverpool something the league currently does not: space to breathe and rebuild momentum quietly. Rotation must not mean surrender, and selection must reflect responsibility rather than convenience.

Get the job done, move on, protect the squad — and avoid another chapter of self-inflicted drama.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 3 – 1 Barnsley

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