Full Breakdown
Liverpool Faces Barnsley in FA Cup Third Round
1/13/2026, 12:25:48 AM
Match Overview
Liverpool FC is set to host Barnsley FC in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Anfield. The match will kick off at 7:45 PM GMT (2:45 PM ET). Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, are looking to advance in a competition that represents their best chance for silverware this season, especially after being eliminated from the League Cup earlier in the year. Barnsley, currently positioned 17th in League One, aims to replicate their historic upset against Liverpool from 2008, when they won 2-1 at Anfield.
Team News and Injuries
Liverpool's squad is facing significant injury challenges. Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury, joining Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines. Mohamed Salah is unavailable as he is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Hugo Ekitike is expected to return to the bench after missing recent matches due to injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated that he will field a strong lineup, learning from last season's FA Cup exit against Plymouth Argyle, where he rotated his squad heavily.
Barnsley will be without their captain, Luca Connell, who is serving a suspension after receiving a red card in their last match. Despite their struggles in League One, Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane has expressed optimism about the match, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the opportunity to compete against a top-tier team.
Historical Context
The FA Cup has a storied history of upsets, and Barnsley's previous victory over Liverpool in 2008 remains a significant talking point. That match saw Barnsley score a last-minute winner, and Hourihane's squad will look to draw inspiration from that historic performance. Liverpool has been dominant in recent FA Cup matches at home, winning eight of their last nine ties in the competition.
Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and can also be streamed via discovery+. In the United States, fans can watch the game on ESPN Select and fuboTV. Canadian viewers can tune in through Sportsnet, while Australian fans can catch the action on Stan Sport.
Predictions and Expectations
Liverpool enters the match on a 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions, although they have drawn their last three matches. The team is expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities against a Barnsley side that has struggled defensively, managing only two clean sheets in their last 25 matches. Predictions suggest a comfortable win for Liverpool, with many expecting a scoreline of around 3-1.
Conclusion
As Liverpool prepares to face Barnsley, the stakes are high for both teams. Liverpool seeks to avoid another early exit from the FA Cup, while Barnsley aims to achieve a monumental upset. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.
