The magic of the FA Cup returns to Merseyside tonight, Monday, January 12, 2026, as Liverpool host League One side Barnsley in the Third Round. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 GMT at a packed Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side, currently navigating a string of three consecutive draws in the Premier League, will be wary of a "cupset." For Barnsley, managed by former player Conor Hourihane, tonight is a chance to recreate their legendary 2008 victory at this very stadium.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: Emirates FA Cup (Third Round)
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Farai Hallam
Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 & Discovery+ (UK), ESPN+ (US)
The Storyline: Slot’s Rotation vs. The Tykes' Dream
Liverpool: Avoiding the Plymouth Ghost
Arne Slot has vowed not to repeat last season’s gamble, where a heavily rotated Liverpool side was dumped out by Plymouth. However, the Reds are currently managing a significant injury crisis and the absence of Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt.
Having drawn their last three matches against Leeds, Fulham, and Arsenal, Liverpool is desperate for a morale-boosting win to kickstart their 2026 campaign. With the Premier League title looking like a distant hope, the FA Cup represents a major priority for silverware this season.
Barnsley: Chasing the Spirit of 2008
Barnsley fans famously remember February 2008, when they stunned Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield. Today, the "Tykes" find themselves 17th in League One and struggling for form, but the FA Cup has provided a welcome distraction. After edging past York and Peterborough in the previous rounds, Barnsley arrives at Anfield with "nothing to lose."
Team News & Probable Lineups
Liverpool Team News
Injury Crisis: Conor Bradley is out for the season after surgery on a knee injury sustained against Arsenal. Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni are also sidelined.
Return: Hugo Ekitike is back in contention after a hamstring issue, though he may start on the bench.
Youth Watch: Expect starts for youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, while Federico Chiesa is likely to lead the line.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister, Jones; Ngumoha, Frimpong, Chiesa.
Barnsley Team News
Suspended: Captain Luca Connell is unavailable following a red card in their last match.
Returns: Nathanael Ogbeta is fit to return, while Marc Roberts is a late fitness test.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Cooper; Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd; Earl, Phillips, Johanan, Kelly, Jalo; McGoldrick, Keillor-Dunn.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
The 2008 Miracle: Barnsley won the last meeting in this competition 2–1 at Anfield.
Anfield Fortress: Liverpool has not lost an FA Cup tie at Anfield in their last nine attempts (W8, D1).
The Date: Liverpool has won all 11 FA Cup ties played on January 12th in their club history.
Goal Streak: Liverpool has consistently scored at least two goals per home FA Cup match since 2022.
Tactical Analysis: High Press vs. Deep Block
Arne Slot is likely to demand a high-tempo start to avoid any early nerves. Without a traditional center-forward, Federico Chiesa will look to exploit the channels, supported by the trickery of Rio Ngumoha. Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane is expected to deploy a compact 5-3-2 formation, hoping to frustrate the hosts and use the physical presence of Sam Cosgrove or the finishing of Keillor-Dunn on rare counter-attacks.
Match Prediction
Despite their recent draws and extensive injury list, the gulf in quality between the Premier League giants and a struggling League One side should be decisive, especially with the Anfield crowd behind them.
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–0 Barnsley
