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 most third-round fixtures are taking place this weekend, this clash has been selected for a Monday night spotlight.
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: F. Hallam (England)
Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 / discovery+ (UK), ESPN+ (US)
The Storyline: Slot’s Rotation vs. The Tykes' Dream
Liverpool: Managing a Growing Injury List
Arne Slot is expected to rotate his squad heavily for this fixture, though his hand has been forced by a significant injury crisis. The Reds are currently without several key stars:
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both sidelined, leaving the attack thin.
Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt.
Conor Bradley was stretchered off in the midweek clash against Arsenal, potentially opening the door for a rare start for Calvin Ramsay.
The spotlight will be on 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha, who is pushing for his first senior start, and Federico Chiesa, who may be asked to lead the line.
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 winless in their last four matches. However, they arrive at Anfield "blessed" by a 10-day break after their match against Port Vale was postponed. With 6,000 traveling fans expected from Yorkshire, the League One side will look to replicate the defensive discipline that saw them pull off one of the great "cupsets" nearly two decades ago.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Liverpool Team News
Out: Wataru Endo (ankle), Alexander Isak (leg), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Conor Bradley (knee).
International Duty: Mohamed Salah (Egypt).
Doubt: Hugo Ekitike (hamstring).
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa.
Barnsley Team News
Status: No major new injuries reported; the squad is well-rested after a 10-day hiatus.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Choutesiotis; O'Keeffe, de Gevigney, Roberts, Earl; Phillips, Craig, Russell; Keillor-Dunn, Cosgrove, McAtee.
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.
Fourth Round Draw: The draw for the next round will take place at 18:30 GMT on Monday, just before kick-off.
Match Prediction
Despite Liverpool's injury woes, the gulf in quality between the Premier League 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
