Liverpool Face Barnsley in FA Cup Third Round Showdown: Team News, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting XIs
Liverpool commence their FA Cup campaign on Monday when they host League One side Barnsley at Anfield.
With 57 positions separating these clubs in England's football hierarchy, Liverpool enter as heavy favorites, though the FA Cup has already delivered shocking results this season—as defending champions Crystal Palace can attest.
Notably, Barnsley emerged victorious when these teams last met in this tournament's fifth round during February 2008. Rafael Benítez's Liverpool suffered a stunning 2–1 home defeat to a 93rd-minute goal, with stars like Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt experiencing the upset firsthand.
While Barnsley focus on avoiding relegation from League One, visits to Anfield are rare occasions and Conor Hourihane's team might recognize a genuine chance against a Liverpool side again battling inconsistency issues.
Here's Sports Illustrated's analysis of this compelling FA Cup encounter.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Barnsley Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Barnsley Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Barnsley |
|---|---|
Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool - 08/01/26 | Wigan 1–1 Barnsley - 01/01/26 |
Fulham 2–2 Liverpool - 04/01/26 | Barnsley 0–2 Lincoln - 29/12/25 |
Liverpool 0–0 Leeds - 01/01/26 | Barnsley 2–3 Mansfield - 26/12/25 |
Liverpool 2–1 Wolves - 27/12/25 | Exeter 3–0 Barnsley - 20/12/25 |
Tottenham 1–2 Liverpool - 20/12/25 | Barnsley 3–2 Leyton Orient - 13/12/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Barnsley on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, discovery+, Prime Video (additional subscription required) |
United States | ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App |
Canada | Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet World, Sportsnet Plus |
Mexico | Max Mexico |
Liverpool Team News
Multiple key players are unavailable for Liverpool. Conor Bradley became the most recent addition to the injury list, joining Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić and Wataru Endo among the sidelined players.
Squad rotation seems probable for the Reds given their opposition's level, and supporters will be eager to see young Rio Ngumoha feature, having gained experience in cup matches while awaiting Premier League opportunities.
Mohamed Salah continues his absence while representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Barnsley
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Barnsley (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa
Barnsley Team News
Liverpool-born captain Luca Connell will be absent due to suspension following his recent dismissal, leaving Barnsley without their skipper for this fixture.
Hourihane faces minimal injury concerns and may attempt to balance pursuing an upset victory while preserving his squad for their crucial relegation battle against Blackpool the following weekend.
Barnsley Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Barnsley predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Cooper; Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jaló, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn
Liverpool vs. Barnsley Score Prediction
Liverpool have returned to their erratic form recently, which will certainly create underlying anxiety throughout Anfield on Monday. However, any result besides a convincing victory would constitute a major surprise.
Barnsley find themselves battling at League One's bottom and would require classic FA Cup magic to compete effectively, though they might exploit vulnerabilities against Liverpool's makeshift defensive lineup.
Despite Arne Slot making several changes, Liverpool should handle this encounter without significant difficulty.
Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Barnsley