Arne Slot could make a number of changes to his side when Liverpool host Barnsley in the FA Cup
Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Liverpool clinched an impressive point on the road against Arsenal on Thursday as they fought out a 0-0 draw at the Emirates. The better side on the night despite a number of absentees, the stalemate saw Arne Slot’s men tighten their grip on a place in the top four.
The Reds are back in action on Monday as attention turns to the FA Cup, with League One Barnsley the visitors to Anfield.
Arne Slot will likely have to make at least one change after Conor Bradley was stretchered off late on against Arsenal with a serious-looking injury. Speaking after the final whistle, the Liverpool head coach admitted he feared the worst.
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In truth, the Dutchman is likely planning a number of changes. But with Bradley by no means the Reds’ only absentee, it remains to be seen if Slot will turn to the Academy to complete his squad or instead select a more senior quota.
Ahead of the game, the ECHO takes a look at the changes Liverpool could make as their FA Cup journey gets underway…
Giorgi in goal as Robbo returns
Giorgi Mamardashvili could start in goal against Barnsley, while Andy Robertson is in line to come in at left-back and captain the Reds.
Should Slot wish to rest both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez will come in at centre-back, with Wellity Lucky, Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington perhaps vying to partner him.
Bradley’s injury could force Slot’s hand at right-back, though, with Jeremie Frimpong the only available natural senior option.
Should Liverpool wish not to risk him, given the likely need for the Dutchman in the position going forward, Calvin Ramsay could come in for a rare start.
Alternatively, Curtis Jones is also a makeshift option after being left unused against Arsenal, while Josh Davidson and Luke Chambers offer more youthful options in defence.
Trey’s time to shine
In truth, Jones is more likely to line up in his favoured midfield position after remaining on the bench at the Emirates.
Trey Nyoni is also well-placed to come in for a start and could be given a chance to shine, either in a deeper midfield role or at number 10.
Ryan Gravenberch could be rested, with Alexis Mac Allister perhaps more likely to be retained if Slot opts for a more senior feel to his side, given he has found himself in and out of the starting XI in recent weeks.
Liverpool will likely be without Wataru Endo, though, with the Japanese having missed the past month with an ankle injury.
Stefan Bajcetic is not yet fit to return, but further options include Michael Laffey and Tommy Pilling.
Chiesa comes in
Federico Chiesa will fancy his chances of getting a rare start against Barnsley, having been left unused against Arsenal, with the Italian capable of lining up anywhere in the front four.
Like Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha is well-placed to be handed a start and could be given the nod on the left-wing.
Having only recently returned from injury, Slot must decide whether to hand Cody Gakpo more minutes or instead rest the Dutchman. If it is the former, like Chiesa, he is capable of lining up anywhere in attack.
Hugo Ekitike has missed Liverpool’s last two matches with a hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be available to face the Tykes.
The likes of Trent Kone-Doherty and Kieran Morrison could also come into contention if Slot turns to the Reds’ academy, though Jayden Danns remains sidelined by injury.
Will Wright is also potentially an option in attack if required, at least on the bench, after recently returning from injury for the Under-21s, while Keyrol Figueroa could also come into contention if Slot does opt to name a younger-looking squad.