Liverpool have had their senses sharpened to the possibility of an FA Cup giant-killing this weekend as they wait their turn in the third-round.
In one of the biggest upsets in recent history, holders Crystal Palace were beaten by sixth-tier Macclesfield Town in a result nobody saw coming.
Although it would not be to the same level if Barnsley came to Anfield and knocked Liverpool out on Monday, it would still be a real surprise if they did.
Is winning the FA Cup enough to keep Arne Slot in a job beyond 2025/26? If not, why? 🤔
With the gap between the two clubs currently standing at 47 places in the English football pyramid, many fans are likely expecting Arne Slot to field a vastly understrength Liverpool team and still be heavy favourites to progress.
However, injuries have robbed Slot of the strength in depth he would usually prefer to utilise in a match like this and, as a result, Liverpool may end up picking a surprisingly strong line-up.
Big Liverpool hitters may play against Barnsley
There are several fringe players who are virtually guaranteed a starting spot in Monday’s team. Giorgi Mamardashvili, for example, will definitely play between the sticks, while Federico Chiesa is almost certain to be handed a rare start, too.
This is exactly the kind of tie Andy Robertson would miss in the past, but his new status as back-up to Milos Kerkez means he is likely to be one of the senior players given a run-out as well.
Beyond those three, and potentially Curtis Jones, many Liverpool supporters would expect the rest of the XI to be made up of youngsters and more fringe players.
However, the fact is that Slot simply does not have the luxury of choosing maximum rotation here, even if he wanted to.
Furthermore, we are not convinced that the Liverpool head coach should fiddle with the team too much more. The Reds do not play again until Saturday’s game with Burnley, and although he does need to protect certain players from injury, that does not apply to others.
Which youngster should partner Joe Gomez at centre-back vs Barnsley
Konate and Van Dijk are likely to be rested…
The centre of defence is an area of particular worry, and while Joe Gomez is likely to play, there really is no other senior option available to Slot. Nobody should be too shocked if either Ibrahima Konate or, more likely, Virgil van Dijk line up against Barnsley. As Liverpool aim to build momentum following a good performance at Arsenal on Thursday, Slot may be as well making only a small handful of changes.
Liverpool should follow Man City’s lead
If Liverpool want a blueprint on how to handle a home FA Cup tie against League One opposition, they need only look at what Manchester City did to Exeter on Saturday.
Goalkeeper aside, Pep Guardiola went virtually as strong as he could against a team who currently sit above Barnsley in the third division.
What followed was an absolute mauling which, although it goes against the ‘magic of the cup’ pretext, saw City easily into the fourth round.
Nobody is expecting Liverpool to beat Barnsley 10-1 on Monday, even if Slot does go with his best XI available.
But the truth is that with the way they have been playing, the FA Cup is Liverpool’s best chance of winning a trophy this season. They tanked the competition last year and Slot will be desperate to avoid a repeat. With the Premier League off the table this year, it is time for Liverpool to get up for the cup.
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