Liverpool face an unfamiliar opponent on Saturday as they welcome League Two outfit Accrington Stanley to Anfield within the FA Cup third spherical.
The Reds have solely battled with the Lancashire minnows as soon as earlier than – an FA Cup assembly again in 1956 – and they need to don’t have any qualms sustaining their excellent head-to-head document in opposition to them on Saturday lunchtime.
Arne Slot is anticipated to make important modifications to his beginning lineup on the weekend following a disappointing begin to the brand new yr, with fringe gamers more likely to be gifted a chance to impress the Dutch coach throughout his FA Cup debut.
Right here is how Liverpool might line up in opposition to Accrington.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – The Irishman didn’t retain his spot within the beginning XI in opposition to Tottenham however ought to be handed some minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup encounter of the season. He might be anticipating a clear sheet on Saturday.
RB: Conor Bradley – With video games coming thick and quick for Liverpool at the beginning of the brand new season, together with a visit to Nottingham Forest subsequent Tuesday, Bradley might get one other run out on the weekend to afford Trent Alexander-Arnold extra relaxation.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Centre-back could also be a difficulty for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slot would wish to have handed his first-choice pairing the day without work, however an harm to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s sickness imply that Konate could also be pressured to start out. Both that or Liverpool go for youth, resembling Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Endo crammed in at centre-back on Wednesday throughout defeat to Tottenham and performed there earlier this season in opposition to Southampton. The Japan skipper might be utilised in such a task in opposition to Accrington.
LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas performed midweek and a scarcity of different left-back choices implies that Robertson will possible return in opposition to Accrington. The Scotsman’s poor type has led to questions relating to his long-term Anfield future.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed out on mortgage final season and has been given the odd Carabao Cup alternative below Slot. The deep-lying playmaker can have one other likelihood to shine in opposition to Accrington.
DM: Trey Nyoni – Massive issues are anticipated of 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three senior appearances to this point. The stylish midfielder has seldom didn’t impress whether or not in pre-season or aggressive fixtures.
RW: Federico Chiesa – If one Liverpool participant might use a objective in opposition to Accrington, it will be Chiesa. A stuttering begin to his Anfield profession has been exacerbated by frequent accidents and he is nonetheless awaiting a primary Reds strike.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An early-season harm has seen Elliott fall down the pecking order however he is proved efficient when referred to as upon. He is solely made 9 appearances this time period, most of which have come from the bench.
LW: Luis Diaz – With the majority of Liverpool’s thrilling academy forwards out on mortgage, Diaz could also be tasked with beginning in opposition to Accrington. He solely performed half-an-hour midweek and will get longer on Saturday.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Equally to Chiesa, misfiring Liverpool striker Nunez desperately wants a optimistic show. The Uruguayan has simply 4 objectives and three assists in 25 appearances this time period and continues to battle for consistency.
