Liverpool vs Accrington

Liverpool's FA Cup campaign for the 2024-25 season is set to commence with a lunchtime showdown against Accrington Stanley at Anfield on Saturday. For the Reds, who last tasted FA Cup glory in 2022, this competition represents an opportunity to strengthen their domestic trophy haul. Meanwhile, for League Two strugglers Accrington Stanley, the fixture offers a rare chance to grace one of the most iconic stages in English football, marking their first encounter with Liverpool since the club’s reformation in 1968.

Liverpool, eight-time winners of the FA Cup, have a mixed record in recent years in this historic competition. Their 2022 triumph remains their only victory in nearly two decades, underscoring how elusive success in this tournament has been for the Merseyside club. Last season’s campaign ended in heartbreak when they were eliminated in dramatic fashion by arch-rivals Manchester United in the quarter-finals. That pulsating clash at Old Trafford saw Liverpool fall to a 4-3 extra-time defeat, a result that left fans yearning for redemption in this year’s edition.

Despite their relative struggles in the FA Cup, Liverpool have remained a dominant force in other domestic competitions. The EFL Cup has been a particular stronghold, with the club lifting the trophy in 2012, 2022, and 2024. However, their pursuit of this season’s EFL Cup suffered a setback earlier this week. Arne Slot’s side faced Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final first leg and succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat in North London. That result not only placed Liverpool in a challenging position ahead of the return leg but also ended a remarkable 24-game unbeaten streak under Slot’s stewardship. It was only the second loss Liverpool have experienced since the Dutchman took charge, with the first coming against Nottingham Forest—a team they are scheduled to face in the Premier League immediately following their FA Cup tie.

Liverpool’s recent form has been solid but not without its imperfections. Last weekend, they hosted Manchester United in a high-stakes Premier League clash that ended in a 2-2 draw. The stalemate prevented Liverpool from extending their six-point lead at the top of the table, a testament to the competitive edge that persists at the summit of English football. Nevertheless, the Reds will approach the Accrington game with confidence, particularly given their strong record in the early stages of the FA Cup. Over the past 13 seasons, Liverpool have only been eliminated at the third-round stage once—a defeat that came away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Anfield faithful will be expecting nothing less than a commanding performance against their lower-league opponents.

For Accrington Stanley, this fixture represents the quintessential “dream tie.” A club that has long been synonymous with the lower echelons of English football, Accrington have never before faced Liverpool in their current incarnation. However, there is a historical precedent, as Liverpool defeated the original Accrington Stanley 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup back in 1956. Such historical footnotes add an extra layer of intrigue to an already fascinating matchup.

Accrington’s journey to this stage of the competition has been commendable. Last season, they suffered an ignominious first-round exit at the hands of Doncaster Rovers in a replay. This time around, however, they have navigated the early rounds with resilience and determination. After overcoming non-league Rushall Olympic, they edged past Swindon Town in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the third round. Manager John Doolan, a proud Liverpudlian with deep ties to the city, has instilled a sense of belief and purpose within his squad.

Doolan’s men come into the tie on the back of a positive start to the calendar year. Victories over Grimsby Town and Colchester United have lifted Accrington five points clear of the League Two relegation zone, alleviating some of the pressures that had been mounting during a difficult end to 2024. Prior to their recent resurgence, the team had endured a seven-game winless streak, leaving them perilously close to the drop. Now, with survival looking more attainable, Accrington can approach this high-profile clash with a degree of freedom and optimism.

One remarkable statistic in Accrington’s favor is their perfect record in third-round ties during their modern era. On all four previous occasions that they have reached this stage, they have progressed to the fourth round. However, their record against Premier League opposition is less encouraging. In three previous encounters with top-flight teams—Fulham in 2010, Middlesbrough in 2017, and Leeds United in 2023—Accrington have suffered defeat each time. Nonetheless, the chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s elite sides is a reward in itself for a club of Accrington’s stature.

Doolan, who has previously worked in the academies of both Liverpool and Everton, will undoubtedly relish the occasion. He understands the magnitude of the challenge that awaits his team but will also recognize the unique opportunity it presents. For players like goalkeeper Billy Crellin, who has been a standout performer this season, the match offers a platform to showcase their talents on a grand stage. Accrington’s squad may lack the star power of their illustrious opponents, but they possess a collective spirit that has served them well in navigating the trials of League Two football.

As the two teams prepare to lock horns, the gulf in quality between them is undeniable. Liverpool boast an array of world-class talent, from the attacking prowess of Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez to the midfield creativity of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Even with potential squad rotation to accommodate their congested fixture schedule, Liverpool’s depth ensures that any lineup they field will be formidable. By contrast, Accrington’s resources are modest, and their focus will likely be on damage limitation rather than attempting to pull off one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history.

The romance of the FA Cup lies in its capacity to deliver the unexpected, and while Liverpool are overwhelming favorites, Accrington will approach the match with hope and determination. For the visitors, simply competing at Anfield is an achievement to be celebrated, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players, staff, and fans alike. The roar of the Kop, the pristine playing surface, and the sheer scale of the occasion will make this a day to remember for everyone associated with the club.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the tie represents an opportunity to regain momentum following their recent setbacks. Slot will be keen to ensure that his players remain focused and professional, avoiding any complacency that could jeopardize their progression in the competition. With key fixtures on the horizon, including their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest and the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Spurs, managing the workload of his squad will be a crucial consideration for the Liverpool manager.

Ultimately, the outcome of this match seems almost predetermined, with Liverpool expected to advance comfortably to the fourth round. However, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and Accrington Stanley will travel to Merseyside with dreams of defying the odds. Regardless of the result, the occasion will serve as a reminder of the FA Cup’s enduring magic, a competition that continues to capture the imagination of fans and players alike. For Accrington, it is a chance to etch their name into the annals of cup folklore; for Liverpool, it is a step toward reclaiming a trophy that has eluded them for far too long.