Liverpool – Barnsley: a third-round tie that reeks of a trap… or not 
Anfield hosts Monday night a tie that, on paper, looks completely one-sided: Liverpool, sitting in the Premier League top 4, welcome Barnsley, mired in the lower reaches of League One. Fifty-seven places separate the clubs, but the FA Cup loves reminding you that rankings don’t save anyone.
Liverpool: a shaken season, but a squad getting some air 
The Reds kicked off the season with a disappointment, losing on penalties to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. After that they strung together seven wins in a row across all competitions, often snatched in the final minutes.
The warning signs were there, and the fall came: Palace again, then a horror run — nine defeats in twelve matches. A reigning champion that doubted, gasping for breath.
Arne Slot has slowly put some order back in. Since then Liverpool are on a 10-match unbeaten run, a mix of solid wins and frustrating draws.
The last three results were draws, and the Dutch coach knows a slip-up in the FA Cup would be badly received, especially after last season’s exit to Plymouth.
Barnsley: a messy season and fragile momentum 
Barnsley are enduring a tricky 2025-2026. The club sit 17th in League One, with a record that won’t shift: eight wins, five draws, eight defeats.
The Tykes do have several games in hand, which could give them a breather if the results come.
The problem is current form: four matches without a win — three defeats and a draw.
And crucially, a recurring weakness away from home: just two wins in their last twelve trips. Anfield isn’t exactly the place to reboot.
Compositions probables
Liverpool :
Mamardashvili ; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez ; Nyoni, Mac Allister ; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha ; Chiesa
Barnsley :
Mahoney ; Watson, Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl ; Phillips, Bland ; Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick ; Keillor-Dunn
What to take away
- Liverpool are on a 10-match unbeaten run.
- Barnsley have won only two of their last 12 away games.
- The Reds were knocked out by Plymouth last season.
- The two sides are 57 places apart in the English pyramid.
Football Tip Liverpool vs Barnsley
Liverpool to win by at least three goals
Even with a heavily rotated side, Liverpool are streets above. At Anfield, against a struggling Barnsley, the Reds should run riot and avoid any nasty shocks.
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