Liverpool take on Barnsley in their first match of this season’s FA Cup, and Arne Slot is tasked with selecting a lineup that is strong enough to avoid an upset like last season’s.
The FA Cup is Liverpool’s best chance at a trophy this season, but that will require no Plymouth-like slip-ups against the League One side.
Injuries are a real problem for the Reds right now and will mean certain players get a rare chance to impress in front of the Anfield crowd.
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We think Slot will field a strong lineup against Barnsley, wanting to make sure his side advance to the next round. With that in mind, here is Rousing The Kop’s predicted XI for Monday night’s clash.
Which of Liverpool’s last XI to play Barnsley would you pick to play Monday’s game?
There’s no way this team should have lost 🫣
This was the last time the two clubs met…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Wholesale changes in the Liverpool defence
As much as Liverpool will be desperate to avoid mistakes, there also has to be some rotation.
Giorgi Mamardashvili should get the nod in goal, having not made an appearance since November. In front of him, Calvin Ramsay will start at right-back after Bradley was ruled out for the season.
Joe Gomez starts with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence, with Andy Robertson out on the left.
A rare start for Trey Nyoni in midfield
We have wanted to see more of Trey Nyoni and this opposition offers the perfect chance.
He can play further up the pitch, with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister behind him offering experience and composure.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Jones has been struggling for confidence recently and should be called upon for this fixture to hopefully find some form.
Two Liverpool fan favourites on the wings
Slot’s decision for the front three against Barnsley is what will garner the most attention.
We have faith that the Dutchman will finally give Chiesa a chance in the starting XI. If not, it would make the Chiesa links to Juventus all the more credible.
A rotated Liverpool XI 👀
Is there enough quality here to avoid a repeat of last season?
Liverpool vs Barnsley
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Liverpool are obviously heavy favourites in this tie, but complacency sent them out of the FA Cup last season.
It won’t be a game Slot or the players take for granted. Let’s get it done!
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