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.
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Is winning the FA Cup enough to keep Arne Slot in a job beyond 2025/26? If not, why? 🤔
Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
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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.
FC Internazionale Milano v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images
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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…
Carter Pinnington warms up ahead of the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven at the Liverpool academy (Credit: Getty Images/Annabel Lee-Ellis).
Mor Talla Ndiaye runs with the ball during Senegal U17s FIFA World Cup match against Croatia at the Aspire Academy in Doha (Credit: Getty Images/Jurij Kodrun - FIFA).
Amara Nallo of Liverpool U21s pictured in action during the Premier League 2 match against Tottenham Hotspur (Credit: Getty Images/MI News/NurPhoto).
Wellity Lucky warms up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Annabel Lee-Ellis/Jurij Kodrun/FIFA/MI News/NurPhoto/Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images
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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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