We’re just hours out from Liverpool’s first FA Cup tie of the season against Barnsley.
It’s a game Arne Slot will be expected to win, but there are no guarantees in this competition.
Not even touching on last season’s Plymouth upset, we have seen in recent days that you cannot take opposition for granted, regardless of how far down the football pyramid they might be.
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Slot made a prediction ahead of tonight’s FA Cup action, and it’s one that is quite believable.
Arne Slot anticipates widespread support for Barnsley
In the build to this game, Slot has been clear about the importance of avoiding another upset.
He does think most who tune in won’t feel the same way, though.
In the matchday programme column published to Liverpoolfc.com, Slot writes: “Like us, they will view this fixture as an opportunity, particularly as the game will take place in front of a TV audience, which I assume will include a lot of people hoping that there might be an upset.
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“Last season we had similar occasions at home to Accrington Stanley and away to Plymouth Argyle so we should definitely use those experiences, good and bad, in this game.”
Arne Slot managing Liverpool vs Arsenal
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
He discusses this as a fresh opportunity to do something important this season. Liverpool fans are divided on what an FA Cup win would do for Slot, but it stands to reason that it would ease some of the pressure he has come under.
For those not of a Liverpool persuasion, it will probably be hate-watch central tonight.
Virgil van Dijk recognises the importance of this game for Liverpool
Also writing for a segment is captain Virgil van Dijk.
He too understands why this game is a must-win for the Reds.
As he explains in the matchday programme: “”One of the best things about the FA Cup, of course, is its long, incredible history of upsets. There have been so many occasions down the years in which a smaller team has defeated a bigger one, and that is what makes this one of the most special competitions in world football.
“Of course, we experienced that for ourselves last season, when we lost to Plymouth Argyle, and we certainly want to avoid a repeat this evening.”
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Dominik Szoboszlai in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill). Alexis Mac Allister applauds fans at Anfield during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill/Liverpool FC
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Van Dijk might not be called upon at Anfield tonight, but even if he isn’t playing, you can be sure he will be drilling his less-experienced teammates on the importance of focus and getting the job done.
Not long to go now.
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