The Reds were unceremoniously dumped out of this competition in the fourth round by Plymouth Argyle last season, but while that result was quickly forgotten during our triumphant top-flight season, a similar result could not be so easily brushed aside tonight.
The Tykes won in this tournament on their previous visit to Anfield 18 years ago, and after a weekend that saw Crystal Palace shocked by sixth-tier side Macclesfield, the Merseyside giants can’t say they haven’t been warned about the kind of upsets that the FA Cup brings.
Premier League teams often rotate heavily at this stage of the competition, and the omission of Calvin Ramsay, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha from the under-21s action this weekend seems to indicate they could start against Barnsley.
We now know Liverpool’s starting XI for tonight’s match.
Liverpool start XI and take on Barnsley
There are a few changes compared to the line-up that drew 0-0 at Arsenal four days ago, but Arne Slot has selected a number of well-known names tonight.
Giorgi Mamardashvili replaces Alisson Becker between the sticks, with an experienced back four of Jeremy Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones are in midfield, while Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to play the number 10 role. Ngumoha can start in a forward line that also includes Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo.
Hugo Ekitike missed Liverpool’s previous two games due to injury, but he will be on the bench tonight if necessary, as will Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch. Wataru Endo is also among the substitutes after being injured in recent matches, with Ramsay and Nyoni also in reserve.
You can view Liverpool’s starting XI and substitutes below, via @LFC on X:
The Reds take on Barnsley ✊ #EmiratesFACup
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 12, 2026
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