By Karl Matchett
*Earlier than we go any additional, and in case you’re weren’t alive within the UK in the course of the Nineteen Eighties, right here’s a hyperlink to the TV advert that can ceaselessly hyperlink these two golf equipment – watch right here.
High of every thing, winless in two
Liverpool’s midweek League Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, contentious because it was, means Slot’s facet are two with out a win in all competitions, following a shock house draw to Manchester United. For many groups that might be nothing of be aware; for the Merseyside membership it’s their worst run of the marketing campaign.
But, as we’re instructed yearly, the magic of the FA Cup means it’s not all the time about type, favourites and even footballers. Fourth tier Accrington Stanley go to the highest facet within the nation and the storylines write themselves, not the least of which is Josh Woods being more likely to lineup for the away facet, when he can ceaselessly be discovered within the stands as a substitute, supporting the Anfield membership. That is solely the second-ever time the groups have met, after the Reds gained 2-0 within the FA Cup third spherical in 1956.
Latest type
Previous to shedding at Spurs it was 24 in a row unbeaten for Slot’s staff, so there gained’t be panic buttons being pummelled simply but. Accrington have really gained their final two, so come into this recreation because the in-form staff…although if we need to add context, which we should always, victories over Grimsby and Colchester don’t transfer the needle a lot – significantly coming after a winless run of eight beforehand. Backside line: they’re nineteenth in League Two, away to the Premier League leaders.
Crew information
Liverpool ought to have the ability to name upon the beforehand unwell Dominik Szoboszlai, whereas Jarell Quansah went off within the first half midweek. Joe Gomez is the one different particular absentee after some current returns to health for Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konaté, however Slot will in all probability additionally begin the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo.
Accrington have a full squad out there and can possible go together with a full-strength facet in a bid to trigger the most important shock of the third spherical.
Key participant
Powerful to know precisely the place Slot will go along with his lineup, however given the Forest recreation is three days away, rotations in some areas are a necessity, together with full-back. That provides Conor Bradley one other likelihood to shine, significantly on the again of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor displaying in opposition to Manchester United and the continuing contract talks there. Whereas Bradley’s 250-odd league minutes are nowhere close to sufficient to be actually telling, his per-90 stats are alarmingly excessive throughout the board in taking pictures, passing, dribbling, recoveries and touches. The extra we see of him, the extra thought we’ll have of simply how sustainable that’s…and whether or not he may actually be a long-term reply for the Reds.
Prediction
No cup shock this time round; Liverpool’s second string will ease apart Accrington and proceed their home cup adventures. Liverpool 4-0 Accrington…precisely.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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