The magic of the FA Cup returns to Anfield on Monday, January 12, 2026, as Liverpool begins its campaign against League One side Barnsley. While many FA Cup third-round fixtures are taking place today, January 10, this specific clash has been scheduled for a Monday night under the lights.
Liverpool enters the competition in high spirits after a resilient 0–0 draw with league leaders Arsenal on Thursday. For Barnsley, currently 17th in League One, it is a chance to relive the glory of 2008, when they famously stunned the Reds at Anfield with a 90th-minute winner.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: To be confirmed
Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 / discovery+ (UK), ESPN+ (US)
The Storyline: Slot’s Squad Rotation vs. The Tykes' Dream
Liverpool: Managing the "Red" Injury List
Arne Slot is expected to lean heavily on his squad depth for this fixture. Liverpool currently boasts a 10-game unbeaten streak, but it has come at a cost. The Reds are dealing with a significant injury crisis, losing right-back Conor Bradley to a serious knee injury during the midweek clash at the Emirates.
With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and strikers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike sidelined, the goal-scoring burden may fall on Federico Chiesa or 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha, who is pushing for his first senior start.
Barnsley: Chasing the Spirit of '08
Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane knows his side are massive underdogs. The Tykes have endured a difficult season in the third tier and are currently winless in their last four matches. However, the FA Cup has a way of leveling the playing field. Without the pressure of the league, Barnsley will look to replicate the defensive discipline and clinical finishing that saw them pull off one of the great "cupsets" nearly two decades ago.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Liverpool Team News
Out: Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak (leg), Hugo Ekitike (muscle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), and Wataru Endo (thigh).
International Duty: Mohamed Salah (Egypt/AFCON).
Expected Returns: Calvin Ramsay could make a rare start at right-back, while Curtis Jones and Trey Nyoni are likely to freshen up the midfield.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa.
Barnsley Team News
Suspended: Club captain Luca Connell is out after a red card against Wigan.
Fitness Boost: Nathanael Ogbeta is fit to return at full-back.
Doubt: Veteran center-back Marc Roberts is "touch and go."
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Killip; O'Keeffe, De Gevigney, O'Connell, Ogbeta; Phillips; Keillor-Dunn, Russell, Craig, Humphrys; Jalo.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Historical Fact: Liverpool has not lost a home FA Cup third-round tie since 2010 (vs. Reading).
The 2008 Ghost: Barnsley's last visit to Anfield resulted in a 2–1 win for the Tykes.
Current Form: Liverpool is unbeaten in 10; Barnsley is winless in 4.
Clean Sheet Struggle: Barnsley has kept only two clean sheets in their last 25 matches across all competitions.
Tactical Analysis: Patience vs. The "Parked Bus"
Arne Slot’s tactical shift towards a more possession-oriented "build-up" style will be tested by a Barnsley team likely to deploy a low block. Liverpool's challenge will be finding a clinical edge without a recognized number nine. Expect Florian Wirtz to play a "free role" to unlock a stubborn defense, while Rio Ngumoha provides the directness on the flank.
Barnsley will rely on transitions and set-pieces. With Liverpool likely fielding a makeshift center-back pairing of Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson, the Tykes will hope the physicality of Fabio Jalo or Stephen Humphrys can force an error.
Match Prediction
Despite Liverpool's injury woes, the gulf in quality between the Premier League leaders and the bottom half of League One is vast. Under the lights at Anfield, the Reds' youngsters and fringe players will be eager to impress Arne Slot.
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–0 Barnsley
