Image Credits: Imago Images
The magic of the FA Cup is something that every Liverpool manager eventually learns to navigate, balancing the romance of the world’s oldest cup competition with the relentless grind of Premier League and European commitments. For Arne Slot, his debut season in England offered a harsh lesson in that duality. The Reds will be desperate to banish the memories of last season’s shock fourth-round exit to Plymouth Argyle, a 1-0 defeat at Home Park.
Improving on that premature departure is a clear priority this term, though the fixture list has been typically unforgiving. Speaking in his press conference earlier today, Slot offered a surprisingly candid take on the team’s schedule. The Dutchman admitted he is “almost happy” that Liverpool are no longer competing in the Carabao Cup:
“I think it is helpful in the upcoming weeks we don’t play as many games as we did until now. I wonder if there have been more teams that have three games in seven days this season. I think we’ve had to do it three times already this season. What can I say about this? I am almost happy that we’re out of the League Cup.”
While no Liverpool manager ever wants to lose a trophy, the silver lining is that his squad should be fresher to attack the FA Cup properly this January.
And now the path to redemption has now been mapped out, with the details for Liverpool’s third-round tie officially confirmed.
The Reds have been drawn against Barnsley, with the fixture set to take place under the lights at Anfield. The match has been selected for live television coverage and will be played on Monday, 12 January, with a kick-off time of 7:45 PM. Supporters unable to attend can watch the action live on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Slot’s side will be heavy favourites to progress against the Tykes, but as last season proved, complacency is the enemy. Should Liverpool get past Barnsley, fans won’t have to wait long to discover their potential fate for the next stage.
The draw for the FA Cup fourth round is scheduled to take place during the third-round weekend, likely on the evening of Monday, 12 January, just prior to kick-off at Anfield.
This means the Reds could take to the field already knowing who awaits them in the last 32
READ MORE: Sky Germany issues fresh update on Bayern Munich and Marc Guehi
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.