Arne Slot will get his first taste of FA Cup magic on Saturday lunchtime when Liverpool host Accrington Stanley in the third round.
After disappointing results against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the new year, the Reds will be keen to produce a confidence-boosting performance against their Lancashire rivals at Anfield.
Liverpool most recently won the FA Cup in 2021/22 and the giants' last major blow to the competition came in 2012/13 when they suffered a shock fourth-round defeat to then third-tier Oldham Athletic.
A similar fate is unlikely to befall Slott's side this weekend, with Accrington currently 19th in League Two. The teams have only met once before, an FA Cup duel dating back to 1956.
Here it is 90 minutes guide to Liverpool FA Cup Third round clash with Accrington.
Liverpool vs Accrington H2H Record (All Time)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Liverpool |
Accrington Stanley |
|---|---|
|
Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool – 01/08/25 |
Colchester 0-2 Accrington – 04/01/25 |
|
Liverpool 2-2 Man Utd – 05/01/25 |
Accrington 3-2 Grimsby – 01/01/25 |
|
West Ham 0-5 Liverpool – 29/12/24 |
Carlisle 2-1 Accrington – 29/12/24 |
|
Liverpool 3-1 Leicester – 26/12/24 |
Accrington 0-2 Salford – 21/12/24 |
|
Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool – 22/12/24 |
Fleetwood 1-1 Accrington – 16/12/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV 1, ITVX, STV, STV Player, UTV |
|
United States |
ESPN+, the ESPN app |
|
Canada |
Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Now, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet World, Sportsnet Now Plus |
Liverpool don't have too many absences at the moment, but Jarell Quansah was pulled off after just half an hour in the defeat to Tottenham in midweek. However, Place confirmed that he was substituted due to illness rather than injury in north London, meaning he could be available in some capacity at the weekend.
The Reds are already missing a centre-half in Joe Gomez, with the versatile defender currently out with a hamstring injury suffered in the 5-0 win over West Ham.
Dominik Szoboszlai is doubtful to feature further in what will be a much-changed Liverpool side, with the Hungarian having missed the last three games through a mixture of suspension and illness.
Liverpool predicted formation against Accrington (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Endo, Robertson; Morton, Bird; Chiesa, Elliott, Diaz; Nunez.
Accrington have beaten Rushall Olympic and Swindon Town en route to the third round and the excitement will be palpable for their trip to Anfield. John Doolan's side have struggled in League Two but will be aiming to secure one of the biggest results in their history on Saturday.
Liverpool won't be too bothered by the visit of Accrington, but they may need to keep an eye on Shaun Whalley. The experienced 37-year-old has scored three in his last two games and leads Accrington in goals and assists in League Two.
Accrington predicted formation against Liverpool (3-4-1-2): Crellin; Aljofree, Rawson, Awe; Love, Coyle, Khumbeni, B. Woods; Whalley; J. Woods, Hunter.
Regardless of the changes Slot makes to his starting line-up on Saturday, Liverpool must advance to the fourth round. The Reds are the top scorers in the Premier League, while only Swindon have conceded more than Accrington in League Two.
Liverpool will be given the opportunity to rest the first team, but this serves as a great opportunity for wing players. The likes of Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and youngsters Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni will have the chance to impress Slott in what should be a nice win.