Liverpool vs Barnsley prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 12 January 2026
Barnsley
One of the matches in the third round of the FA Cup will be played on Monday at Anfield in Liverpool, where the hosts Liverpool will take on Barnsley. Here’s a betting tip for the outcome of this clash, with solid chances of success.
Match preview
The Reds have had an inconsistent season, but the FA Cup could spark a fresh momentum. The team is unbeaten in ten consecutive matches, yet draws with Fulham, Leeds, and Arsenal have left a sense of missed opportunities. Arne Slot is actively rotating his squad and is likely to give several fringe players a chance in this cup tie.
Against Barnsley, we’ll probably see a lineup as close as possible to Liverpool’s second string. Mamardashvili, Ramsey, Nyoni, Ngumoha, and Chiesa are all expected to get minutes. Despite squad absences, Liverpool remain a dominant force at Anfield - since the start of 2022, they have consistently scored at least two goals per FA Cup match on home soil.
For Barnsley, just making it to Anfield is a big occasion. In League One, the team is fighting for survival, sitting only two points above the relegation zone. Connor Hourihane’s side have already edged past York and Peterborough in the Cup, but both wins were narrow escapes.
The club heads into this clash short-handed - skipper and holding midfielder Adam Phillips is unavailable, as is injured defender Marc Roberts. Johanan will fill in, with Earl or Shephard likely joining him. Historically, Barnsley have sprung surprises at Anfield, but in recent years they’ve suffered heavy defeats to every Premier League opponent in the FA Cup.
Probable lineups
- Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Robertson, Gomez, Konate, Ramsey, Nyoni, Mac Allister, Jones, Ngumoha, Frimpong, Chiesa
- Barnsley: Cooper, Watson, M. Duran de Gevigney, Shephard, Earl, Johanan, Connell, Kelly, Jalo, McGoldrick, Kaylor-Dunn
Match facts and head-to-head
- Barnsley have lost their last six FA Cup matches against Premier League sides by an aggregate score of 2:16.
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in each of their last seven home FA Cup games.
- Barnsley’s last win at Anfield came in 2008.
Prediction
Home advantage, squad depth, and overall quality - all signs point to Liverpool. Even with possible rotation, Slot’s men should have little trouble dispatching their League One opponents. While Liverpool’s rotated defence occasionally makes mistakes, giving Barnsley a shot at a consolation goal, a comfortable win for the favourites with a handicap looks the most logical outcome.
