Liverpool v Barnsley FA Cup Kick-off Nepal Time, Preview, Prediction

Liverpool return to FA Cup action on Monday night as they welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield in the third round, with Arne Slot’s side aiming to end a brief winless run and secure safe passage into round four.

The Reds have drawn their last three matches in all competitions against Leeds, Fulham and Arsenal, but remain unbeaten in their last 10 games overall. Despite a slight dip in form before the turn of the year, Liverpool appear to have steadied themselves and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table.

Match details

• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Date: Monday 12 January 2026
• Kick-off: 7:45pm
• TV: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+

Historically, Liverpool are one of the FA Cup’s most decorated clubs, lifting the trophy eight times, most recently in 2022. While home form has been mixed this season — with just two wins from their last six at Anfield — both victories have come in recent weeks, suggesting momentum is returning at a crucial time.

Barnsley arrive on Merseyside struggling for consistency. The Tykes have managed just one win in their last six matches, losing three of their previous four, and currently find themselves 17th in the League One standings. Away from home, their record is particularly concerning, with only two wins on the road in all competitions since August.

Conor Hourihane’s side will nevertheless take inspiration from the FA Cup’s long history of shocks, with Macclesfield’s surprise win over holders Crystal Palace earlier in the weekend serving as a reminder of the competition’s unpredictability.

Barnsley’s own FA Cup pedigree includes a famous triumph in 1912, when they defeated West Brom after extra time in a replay. More recently, they shocked Liverpool at Anfield in 2008, winning 2–1 in the fifth round — a result that still lingers in FA Cup folklore.

Slot is expected to rotate his squad for the tie, offering opportunities to fringe players and youngsters, though Liverpool’s depth should still prove decisive. Federico Chiesa is among those likely to feature prominently, having already made a strong impact in domestic cup competitions this season.

Despite the likelihood of changes, Liverpool are expected to have too much quality for their visitors. A comfortable home performance would not only secure progress but also provide a timely confidence boost as the season enters a demanding phase.

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa

Barnsley (4-2-3-1):
Mahoney; Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn