Liverpool v Barnsley – Line-ups, stats and preview
Liverpool take on Barnsley this coming Monday in the FA Cup. Read our in-depth preview here
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Match Preview for Liverpool v Barnsley
Liverpool begin their 2025-26 FA Cup campaign on Monday night as they welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield.
The Reds head into the third-round tie on the back of an encouraging 0-0 draw away to Premier League leaders Arsenal, a result that underlined the recent improvement in performances following a tactical reshuffle by Arne Slot.
Despite that progress, memories of last season’s FA Cup disappointment will still linger. Liverpool failed to score and were eliminated by Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round, setting a low benchmark for this year’s campaign.
Barnsley arrive on Merseyside enduring a difficult League One season, sitting 17th in the table with just eight wins to their name. Conor Hourihane’s side have already navigated two nervy ties to reach this stage, edging past York City 3-2 before recording a 1-0 victory over Peterborough.
The visitors are winless in four matches and face a significant step up in quality, but cup history will give them hope. Barnsley famously stunned Liverpool at Anfield in the 2007-08 FA Cup and will be dreaming of another shock under the lights.
Team news for Liverpool v Barnsley
Liverpool will be without Conor Bradley after the defender was stretchered off against Arsenal with a serious-looking knee injury.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak remain sidelined with muscle and leg injuries respectively, while Wataru Endo is unavailable until later this month and Giovanni Leoni is not expected back until next season.
The match could provide opportunities for younger players, with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni among those pushing for minutes as Slot balances injuries with rotation.
Barnsley have received a boost with Nathanael Ogbeta returning to fitness, while Marc Roberts and Georgie Gent are both rated as doubtful.
Club captain Luca Connell is suspended after his red card at Wigan, and the Tykes could hand a debut to centre-back Eoghan O’Connell following his short-term arrival.
Expected line-ups for Liverpool v Barnsley
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa
Barnsley: Cooper; Watson, de Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn
How to watch Liverpool v Barnsley: TV channel, online live stream
The FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Barnsley will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 GMT.
Live streaming will be available via the discovery+ app and website for subscribers.
The stats for Liverpool v Barnsley
- Liverpool have not been eliminated in the FA Cup third round since the 2013-14 season
- Barnsley last beat Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup in 2008
- Liverpool failed to score in their last FA Cup match, a fourth-round defeat last season
- Barnsley are winless in their last four matches in all competitions
- This will be the first meeting between the sides since 2008
Prediction
Liverpool
Barnsley
Liverpool’s performances have been trending upward, and despite mounting injury concerns, the gulf in quality should be decisive. Barnsley’s struggles and recent form point towards a comfortable home win, with the Reds expected to progress without serious alarm.https://x.com/LFC/status/2009701709694836960
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