Liverpool booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a tense and nervous 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley.
The Reds may have thought it would be an easy outing against a side two leagues lower than them in the football pyramid but their assumptions were blown away inside the opening minute as former academy player Adam Phillips set up Davis Keillor-Dunn for a headed effort which struck the post.
Liverpool then took the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai who fired in a strike from range to put the hosts in control and their momentum was boosted by a similarly well-struck shot from Jeremie Frimpong.
On the stroke of half-time, Szoboszlai miscued an attempted backheel in his own box which set up Phillips to score for Barnsley and they headed into the break with belief of an upset.
The second half saw Reyes Cleary go down in the box but the referee waved away the penalty shouts as Barnsley frustrated Liverpool. Arne Slot then called on his substitutes with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike coming on to score a final two goals and send Liverpool into the next round.
Relive the action from Anfield as Liverpool host Barnsley in the FA Cup:
Liverpool vs Barnsley live
- REPORT: Dominik Szoboszlai marries the sublime with the ridiculous on night of mixed fortune
- 90+4' GOAL! Ekitike adds a late fourth (LIV 4-1 BAR)
- 84' GOAL! Wirtz scores to send Liverpool through (LIV 3-1 BAR)
- 57' SAVE! Cooper's reactionary save denies Van Dijk (LIV2-1 BAR)
- 40' GOAL! Phillips makes use of Szoboszlai's error (LIV 2-1 BAR)
- 36' GOAL! Frimpong rattles in second goal (LIV 2-0 BAR)
- 9' GOAL! Szoboszlai strikes one from range and scores (LIV 1-0 BAR)
- 1' POST! Keillor-Dunn nods his effort into the woodwork (LIV 0-0 BAR)
Dominik Szoboszlai marries the sublime with the ridiculous on night of mixed fortune
Monday 12 January 2026 22:03 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldFew score from 30 yards and create a goal with a backheel in the same game. When a player does, it could be cause for unadulterated joy. The sight of a crestfallen Dominik Szoboszlai told another tale. He struck for Liverpool in spectacular style, gifted Barnsley a goal with an embarrassing blunder and was the man of the match in the sense it revolved around him to a remarkable extent; Barnsley wanted a penalty for his shirt tug on the lively Reyes Cleary. The night ended with Liverpool progressing in the FA Cup simultaneously because of and despite Szoboszlai.
Dominik Szoboszlai marries the sublime with the ridiculous on night of mixed fortune
A new record for Liverpool
Monday 12 January 2026 22:13 , Mike JonesLiverpool have progressed from 14 of their last 15 FA Cup third round ties – since 2011-12, that’s the joint most of any side, along with Chelsea and Manchester City.
Liverpool need time to gel
Monday 12 January 2026 22:10 , Mike Jones"I think we need a little bit more time to get to know each other better,” said Szoboszlai after the game.
“From the summer on I think we have developed a lot. All the new guys have settled well, I think.
“I'm happy for Florian and Hugo and for all the guys."
Szoboszlai on Liverpool's start in FA Cup:
Monday 12 January 2026 22:07 , Mike Jones"We wanted to show that we take the FA Cup seriously.
“We always take it seriously. We showed again today we need the whole squad.
“The new guys came in, who didn't play as much as the others, and they showed lots of quality. We need everyone."
Szoboszlai on his backheel blunder:
Monday 12 January 2026 22:04 , Mike Jones"Sorry to the team again - I made it hard for us. It was an easy mistake, I would say.
“Football happens and we move on."
Barnsley will feel the scoreline flatters Liverpool
Monday 12 January 2026 21:45 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldBarnsley may feel that 4-1 flattered Liverpool there but Slot's bench strength proved decisive at the end with those goals from Wirtz and Ekitike.”
Full-time! Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:44 , Mike JonesThere goes the final whistle, Liverpool head into the fourth round and in the end get the job done without too many issues.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley (Hugo Ekitike, 90+4)
Monday 12 January 2026 21:43 , Mike JonesAnother one!
Hugo Ekitike comes off the bench and makes sure Liverpool go through.
The scoreline flatters Liverpool who catch Barnsley on the break with Florian Wirtz setting up his teammate for the simplest of tap ins.
Liverpool 3-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:36 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: O’Keeffe and McGoldrick play a one-two with each other allowing the former to charge into the Liverpool box.
Konate gets back and blocks the shot from O’Keeffe but Barnsley have a corner.
Liverpool 3-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:35 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Liverpool 3-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:32 , Mike Jones87 mins: All the tension and pressure has been released around Anfield after that goal.
Barnsley have given this a good go tonight and if decisions had gone their way they could have caused an upset.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Barnsley (Florian Wirtz, 84')
Monday 12 January 2026 21:28 , Mike JonesA lovely goal from Liverpool.
Curtis Jones plays the ball up to Hugo Ekitike who flicks it through the nearest defender’s legs and slots in Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz then takes a touch before curling in a fine effort to make sure the Reds advance to the next round.
McGoldrick is still going
Monday 12 January 2026 21:26 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldOn comes David McGoldrick, whose first Football League appearance came in 2004. And 22 years later, he is still going.
“He replaces Davis Keillor-Dunn for Barnsley.”
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:25 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes of the game now and Liverpool are pushing for the goal to close out the tie.
Robertson dinks a cross in from the left and finds Gravenberch who wins a corner as his headed effort is deflected out of play.
The resultant set piece is played short by Szoboszlai and Liverpool fail to exert any pressure on the Tykes.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:20 , Mike Jones78 mins: Chance!
Arne Slot hangs his head in disappointment. Szoboszlai whips a beautiful ball into the Barnsley box and picks out Florian Wirtz.
He meets the ball with the outside of his right foot and guides the effort over the crossbar!
How’s he missed that?
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:19 , Mike Jones75 mins: Rio Ngumoha has a problem. He seems to have pulled something as he slipped off the pitch trying to keep the ball in play.
Slot takes no chances with the youngster and replaces him with Ryan Gravenberch.
Another substitution to try and regain control in midfield.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:15 , Mike Jones72 mins: Burnley are right in this game. Liverpool don’t look comfortable and it’ll be frustrating for Arne Slot who will believe this game should have been put to bed.
Gakpo flicks in a cross from the left but sends it straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:13 , Mike Jones69 mins: There is no VAR in this match and none at all until the fifth round of the competition.
Ally McCoist on TNT Sports commentary is convinced that Cleary should have been awarded a penalty. Joleon Lescott says otherwise.
This is what the VAR detractors fail to acknowledge. Even if it was scrapped decisions would still be controversial and the referees would receive the abuse that VAR currently gets.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:10 , Mike Jones66 mins: Van Dijk misses another chance as he gets up the pitch and is set up with a headed effort.
He sends his effort wide and looks frustrated with himself.
Conor Hourihane, Barnsley’s manager, is ticking on the sidelines over the penalty decision. He says as much to the fourth official and earns himself a yellow card for his efforts.
A triple change from Liverpool
Monday 12 January 2026 21:06 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA triple change from Liverpool with the three subs - Wirtz, Ekitike and Konate - having cost the club more than £200m, even before add-ons.
“Don't think the Barnsley replacements will be that expensive.”
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:05 , Mike Jones63 mins: The Barnsley fans cannot believe it.
Dominik Szoboszlai is in danger again as he tracks back into his own box.
Reyes Cleary gets inside of the Szoboszlai (now positioned at right-back) and goes to ground under some contact.
The Barnsley supporters, staff and players are convinced it’s a penalty but the referee waves for play to go on.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:04 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played and Arne Slot is going to the bench.
Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz all jog onto the pitch and replace Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 21:01 , Mike Jones57 mins: Szoboszlai plays a short corner to Ngumoha who dribbles to the edge of the box and lays it back to his teammate.
Szoboszlai flicks the ball onto the head of Gomez who guides it to Van Dijk.
The Liverpool captain latches onto the dropping ball and fizzes it at goal only for Cooper to palm it wide with a reactionary save!
Slot has options
Monday 12 January 2026 20:57 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldHugo Ekitike is among those warming up.
“It doesn't look like a change is imminent but Slot does have options and he might want the cushion of a third goal.”
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:56 , Mike Jones54 mins: Frimpong lifts a cross into the box from the right wing as Liverpool attempt to regain control on the match.
Gakpo is the target but Cooper plucks the ball out of the air and smothers it well.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:54 , Mike Jones51 mins: A free kick for the visitors is lofted into the box by Corey O’Keeffe.
Federico Chiesa deals with the initial ball and Liverpool can transition into a counter-attack.
It’s not the best and Barnsley recover possession just inside their own half.
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:52 , Mike Jones48 mins: Barnsley have started this half well. They’re piling up the pitch and putting pressure on the Reds.
Reyes Cleary gets the better of Frimpong and whips in a low cross only for Joe Gomez to deal with it.
Second half! Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:49 , Mike JonesHugo Ekitike was warming up at half-time for Liverpool but neither manager has made a change at the break.
Liverpool get the ball rolling again.
HT Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:45 , Mike JonesLiverpool dominated possession in the first half having 78% of control on the ball.
The Reds had nine shots with three of them on target.
That’s the same amount as Barnsley who created five chances with two forcing Mamardashvili into saves and one finding the back of the net.
HT Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:41 , Mike JonesAs things stand Liverpool are the team heading into the next round where they wil have a home draw against fellow Premier League side Brighton.
Barnsley have some work to do to get back into this game but if they can score next they’ll be in with a chance of facing Brighton themselves.
HT Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:37 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:33 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half.
Barnsley have played well over the first half and have been undone by two stellar strikes from Szoboszlai and Frimpong.
Still, Phillips’ goal will give them hope of scoring again and forcing this match to go longer than anyone expects.
Ridiculous from Szoboszlai
Monday 12 January 2026 20:31 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldRidiculous from Szoboszlai. He has often been the one exempted from the blame this season but that attempted backheel gifted Barnsley a goal.
“But for Phillips, a former Liverpool trainee, it must have been a dream come true to score in front of the Kop, even in such strange fashion.”
Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:30 , Mike Jones44 mins: A total mind blank from Szoboszlai who, until that error, was probably the best player on the pitch.
Liverpool won’t be too worried though and that goal may result in them sharpening up.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Barnsley (Adam Phillips, 40')
Monday 12 January 2026 20:27 , Mike JonesShock!
Adam Phillips earns this goal with his sheer persistence. Phillips is played the ball from the right wing but is beaten to it by Szoboszlai who carries it into his own box.
Szoboszlai then tries to backheel the ball to his own goalkeeper but misses it and stumbles.
Phillips stays with him throughout the run and latches onto the loose ball to turn it into the back of the net!
A first Anfield goal from Frimpong
Monday 12 January 2026 20:25 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA first goal at Anfield from Frimpong, and that was an unstoppable shot.
“He has offered something in attack in the last month, though normally as a right winger who can beat players for pace, even if his crossing can be mixed.
“But the questions about the summer signing revolve more around his defending.”
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Barnsley (Jeremie Frimpong, 36')
Monday 12 January 2026 20:23 , Mike JonesWow!
This is another fantastic goal from Liverpool. Again they force Barnsley to defend deep but work the ball out to the right wing this time.
It comes to Jeremie Frimpong who decides to dart into the box and switch the ball onto his left foot.
He then smashes his effort at the target and smokes it past Murphy Cooper to double the lead.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:18 , Mike Jones33 mins: Joe Gomez body checks Reyes Cleary who tries to burst forward on the counter-attack for Barnsley.
Gomez collects a yellow card for the obvious foul and the visitors win a free kick.
Barnsley have a threat on the counter-attack
Monday 12 January 2026 20:17 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldLiverpool have a very experienced defence out there and what should be a solid midfield but Barnsley still have a threat when they are going forward, especially on the counter-attack.
“It was a decent save from Mamardashvili to deny Bland, albeit one he would expect to make, but it was a reminder Barnsley could get level.”
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:16 , Mike Jones30 mins: Save!
Mamardashvili is called into action again as Keillor-Dunn takes another fine shot from just outside the box.
This one is straight at the goalkeeper who clings onto the ball with ease.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:12 , Mike Jones26 mins: The resulting corner is sent across to Bland who takes a strike and forces a low save out of Mamardashvili.
The goalkeeper drops low and manages to turn the ball wide of the far post.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:09 , Mike Jones23 mins: O’Keeffe floats a cross into the box from the right side of the pitch and almost beats Mamardashvili at the far post.
The Liverpool goalkeeper looked a little uncertain about that one but managed to keep it out.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:06 , Mike Jones20 mins: A Liverpool corner is sent into the middle of the penalty area with Alexis Mac Allister the intended target.
However, the delivery is too high for the Argentine who watches it sail over his head and out of play.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 20:01 , Mike Jones16 mins: Szoboszlai hits another one from range and rattles this shot into Jack Shepherd who puts his body on the line and blocks the shot.
The ball deflects out for a corner which Cody Gakpo whips into the box.
An initial clearance only sends the ball into the path of Curtis Jones who drills a first time shot in Jonathan Bland.
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:59 , Mike Jones14 mins: Barnsley get themselves up the pitch and feed the ball to Keillor-Dunn.
He decides to shoot from outside the box but doesn’t have the accuracy to get the effort on target.
Superb from Szoboszlai
Monday 12 January 2026 19:57 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldSuperb from Szoboszlai.
“Now only Hugo Ekitike has more goals for Liverpool this season than the Hungarian.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley (Dominik Szoboszlai, 9')
Monday 12 January 2026 19:55 , Mike JonesWow!
Liverpool work the ball across the pitch from the right with Alexis Mac Allister finding Dominik Szoboszlai.
He cuts back onto his right foot and decides to shoot from range.
It’s a fizzing and dipping effort which beats Murphy Cooper and sends the hosts ahead!
Liverpool 0-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:54 , Mike Jones7 mins: Liverpool take control of the ball and force Barnsley to defend deep.
They’re set up with a fack five and it could be a long evening’s work for them.
Liverpool 0-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:50 , Mike Jones3 mins: Liverpool look to settle the game down and get youngster Rio Ngumoha on the ball early.
He goes down the left side before playing a pass to Dominik Szoboszlai who takes a shot from the edge of the box and sees his effort blocked.
Almost a sensational start
Monday 12 January 2026 19:49 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldBarnsley scored right at the end of their last trip to Anfield, through Brian Howard in 2008, and almost right at the start of this one, with Keillor-Dunn hitting the post.
“Almost a sensational start for them.”
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:47 , Mike JonesWow!
Barnsley get the ball rolling and work it down the right side of the pitch.
Liverpool’s defence backs away allowing Adam Phillips, a former Liverpool academy man, to swing in a cross.
He expertly picks out Davis Keillor-Dunn who meets the ball with a fine header and strikes the woodwork!
Liverpool vs Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:41 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at Anfield.
This is going to be a tough outing for Barnsley but the longer they can keep things level the more likely they are to get something out of this game.
Can Barnsley shock the Premier League side again?
Returning to Liverpool
Monday 12 January 2026 19:35 , Mike JonesTwo Barnsley players have a connection to Liverpool –Adam Phillips spent eight years in the Reds' Academy, appearing in a senior pre-season friendly in 2021.
Vimal Yoganathan also spent seven years in the youth ranks before leaving to join Barnsley.
Expect goals at Anfield
Monday 12 January 2026 19:30 , Mike JonesBarnsley reached this stage of the competition thanks to victories over York City and Peterborough United.
The Tykes have kept just two clean sheets across all competitions in their last 25 fixtures home and away.
Reds aim for number nine
Monday 12 January 2026 19:25 , Mike JonesLiverpool have lifted the FA Cup on eight occasions – with their last triumph coming in 2022 when they overcame Chelsea on penalties at Wembley after a goalless draw.
Can they add a ninth triumph this year?
Liverpool vs Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 19:20 , Mike JonesAcross all competitions, Liverpool and Barnsley have met at Anfield on 11 occasions (21 games in total). The Reds have won five, drawn four and lost twice on Merseyside.
Liverpool aiming to avoid an upset
Monday 12 January 2026 19:15 , Mike JonesHere’s more from Virgil van Dijk who said: "One of the best things about the FA Cup, of course, is its long, incredible history of upsets. There have been so many occasions down the years in which a smaller team has defeated a bigger one, and that is what makes this one of the most special competitions in world football.
"Of course, we experienced that for ourselves last season, when we lost to Plymouth Argyle, and we certainly want to avoid a repeat this evening.
"Make no mistake, this will be a tough test for us. Barnsley will be coming here with a lot of motivation, they have nothing to lose in many ways, and they will have a lot of fans behind them from the first whistle to the last.”
Liverpool's recent record
Monday 12 January 2026 19:10 , Mike JonesLiverpool have won eight of their last nine FA Cup home matches (D1) since losing 3-2 to West Brom in January 2018.
In fact, their last two home defeats have been against W teams (Wolves and West Brom).
They’ve won their last nine home FA Cup matches against sides not beginning with W by an aggregate score of 25-6.
Barnsley vs the Premier League
Monday 12 January 2026 19:05 , Mike JonesBarnsley have been eliminated in each of their last six FA Cup ties against Premier League sides since knocking Chelsea out in the quarter-final in the 2007-08 campaign.
Virgil van Dijk looking for Liverpool to prove a point in FA Cup
Monday 12 January 2026 19:00 , Mike JonesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insisted they intend to use the FA Cup to prove a point and will not under-estimate Barnsley.
Arne Slot’s side earned a creditable goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday as they extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Most pundits had given them little chance of avoiding defeat at the Emirates as despite not losing since November the team have been far from convincing.
Virgil van Dijk looking for Liverpool to prove a point in FA Cup
Slot may be scarred by Plymouth
Monday 12 January 2026 18:55 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldArne Slot may be scarred by events at Plymouth last season. He has picked a stronger side than some would have expected, making only six changes. Virgil van Dijk, who has only missed the two Carabao Cup games this season, starts.
“Hugo Ekitike is back but only as far as the bench. With a front three of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, it will be interesting to see whether Gakpo or Chiesa operates as the striker.
“Barnsley have won on their last two trips to Anfield and have not lost here since 1959.”
Barnsley team to face Liverpool
Monday 12 January 2026 18:50 , Mike JonesBarnsley: Cooper, Shepherd, DE Gevigney, O’Keefe, Phillips, Ogbeta, Cleary, Watson, Bland, Keillor-Dunn, Yoganathan
👊 Your Reds to take on Liverpool at Anfield.#EmiratesFACup | @CopierSystems pic.twitter.com/nTa3IsjqSO
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) January 12, 2026
Liverpool team to take on Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 18:47 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Ngumoha, Gakpo, Chiesa
The Reds to take on Barnsley ✊ #EmiratesFACup
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 12, 2026
History on Liverpool's side
Monday 12 January 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesLiverpool have progressed from 13 of their last 14 FA Cup third round ties, losing the other 2-1 against Wolves in 2018-19.
They haven’t been knocked out at this stage against a non-Premier League side since 2009-10, going out against Reading.
Good Anfield memories
Monday 12 January 2026 18:36 , Mike JonesBarnsley have won their last two games at Anfield in all competitions, winning in the Premier League in 1997 and FA Cup in 2008.
No side are on a longer ongoing winning run away at Liverpool than the Tykes (also Nottingham Forest and Atalanta on two).
Liverpool vs Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 18:30 , Mike JonesLiverpool lost their last FA Cup tie against Barnsley in the 2007-08 fifth round but they have progressed from their other four ties against them in 1894-95, 1905-06, 1913-14, and 1984-85.
Liverpool 'want to be successful' in FA Cup says Van Dijk
Monday 12 January 2026 18:24 , Mike JonesArne Slot wasn’t the only person to write in the programme notes for tonight’s game with captain Virgil van Dijk taking the opportunity to speak to the fans.
He wrote: "It hasn't been perfect [this season], by any means, but we are now 10 games unbeaten, and that gives us something to build on, in what has so far been a very challenging season for us.
“We have shown recently that we are still very much together, fighting for everything.
"Tonight we begin our FA Cup campaign, and it goes without saying that this is a competition we want to be successful in.”
Liverpool's injury updates
Monday 12 January 2026 18:18 , Mike JonesLiverpool will try to get Hugo Ekitike fit for tonight’s match but it is not guaranteed that he will feature.
Arne Slot provided an update on the striker’s injury recovery as well as other members of the squad who are absent.
He said: “Hugo, that is not 100 per cent sure but we will do everything to have him available on Monday.
“I think if I am correct [Endo] might start to train one of these days, but he has been out for two months now, that's of course different to being out for one week.
“Alex [Isak] is not going to be back yet and Mo [Salah] played on Saturday.”
Slot on meaning of FA Cup
Monday 12 January 2026 18:12 , Mike JonesWriting in his programme notes for tonight’s encounter with Barnsley the Liverpool manager said: "Given our position in the Premier League is currently not what we would want it to be, the FA Cup is a competition that gives us a fresh opportunity to build something meaningful.
"My experience of the competition is not yet the most extensive – we played only two games last season before going out – but what it means and what it represents is already very clear.
"In those two fixtures we learned a lot – about ourselves, about the qualities that lower-division opposition can bring, about how it feels to go through and go out and what the FA Cup means in general. These are lessons and experiences that we hope will help us not just tonight, but in every round we get to play.”
Liverpool’s Conor Bradley out for the season with knee injury requiring surgery
Monday 12 January 2026 18:06 , Mike JonesDefender Conor Bradley is set to undergo surgery on a serious knee injury, which will rule him out of the rest of Liverpool’s season.
While the Northern Ireland international has not sustained an ACL injury, the bone and ligaments in his left knee have been damaged.
The right-back was carried off late in Thursday’s goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal after landing awkwardly in stoppage time.
Liverpool’s Conor Bradley out for the season with knee injury requiring surgery
When will the FA Cup fourth round be played?
Monday 12 January 2026 18:00 , Mike JonesThe fourth round of the FA Cup will be played around the weekend of Saturday 14 February, with games likely to run from Friday to Monday, depending on TV picks.
FA Cup matchdays in full
Here are the dates for the remaining rounds of FA Cup action.
Fourth round: Saturday 14 February 2026
Fifth round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw?
Monday 12 January 2026 17:54 , Mike JonesThe fourth round draw will take place on Monday 12 January, ahead of Liverpool’s tie against Barnsley at 7:45pm GMT.
The draw will take place in the broadcast before kick-off, which starts at 6:30pm, with the draw set to start at around 6:35pm GMT.
When is FA Cup fourth round draw? Start time, ball numbers and how to watch on TV
Monday 12 January 2026 17:48 , Mike JonesThe draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup is nearly upon us as big-hitters and underdogs find out who their next opponents will be.
The penultimate of the 32 places in the fourth round (with the postponed Salford v Swindon clash the other remaining tie) will be decided this evening, as Arne Slot’s Liverpool welcome mid-table League One side Barnsley to Anfield, hoping to avoid the sort of shocks that have dotted this weekend of third-round action.
The draw for the next round takes place before that at 6.35pm on TNT Sports 1.
Slot expected to name strong squad
Monday 12 January 2026 17:42 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool boss spoke after his team’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal and said: “I can guarantee you that on Monday you will see all the players you see today, maybe with some substitutions, but then they will be on the bench so that is going to be different from last season against Plymouth."
Arne Slot defends team selection from last year's defeat
Monday 12 January 2026 17:36 , Mike JonesLiverpool lost in the FA Cup last season to Plymouth Argyle after manager Arne Slot made 10 changes to the starting XI.
Against lower league opposition tonight, Slot was asked if he is preparing another big series of changes.
He said: “Last season I made the decision that some players needed to rest in the FA Cup because you cannot play every player every single time, but it is obvious that we are not in the League Cup any more and the FA Cup has always been very important for this club.
“Sometimes in a season when you are still competing for the League Cup, the Champions League and the league, with the amounts of players we had last season and we have this season, you have to make choices.”
Arne Slot makes FA Cup pledge ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 17:30 , Richard JollyArne Slot has promised to take the FA Cup seriously as he vowed there will be no repeat of the weakened team that crashed out of the competition at Plymouth last season.
The Liverpool manager said all of the players who were involved in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal will be in the squad to face Barnsley at Anfield on Monday, apart from the injured Conor Bradley, and hopes striker Hugo Ekitike will be fit to return.
Arne Slot makes FA Cup pledge ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Barnsley
Barnsley's early team news
Monday 12 January 2026 17:24 , Mike JonesBarnsley will be without midfielder Luca Connell, who is serving a suspension after a straight red card in their last match against Wigan. Otherwise, manager Conor Hourihane has a fully-fit squad to pick from.
Predicted Barnsley XI: Mahoney; Watson, Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jalo, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn
Liverpool early team news
Monday 12 January 2026 17:18 , Mike JonesConor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained in the final minutes of the draw at Arsenal.
Alexander Isak is a long-term absentee, with Mohamed Salah still away with Egypt at the African Cup of Nations. Wataru Endo is still out, but Joe Gomez could start in defence.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa
How can I watch it?
Monday 12 January 2026 17:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the action live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6:30pm. The fourth-round draw will take place around 6:35pm. Subscribers can also stream the action live on discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
When is Liverpool vs Barnsley?
Monday 12 January 2026 17:06 , Mike JonesThe match is scheduled to take place on Monday, 12 January at Anfield. Kick-off is set for 7:45pm GMT.
Liverpool vs Barnsley
Monday 12 January 2026 17:00 , Mike JonesLiverpool open up their FA Cup campaign against League One side Barnsley in the third round on Monday night.
The Reds, who last won the competition in 2022 after beating Chelsea in the final on penalties, impressed in a goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal last time out but are now three games without a win.
Arne Slot has insisted he will name a strong side for Monday’s clash, though Barnsley are four games without a win and currently lie 17th in League One. They beat Peterborough in the last round.
This fixture brings back memories of Barnsley’s famous FA Cup fifth round win at Anfield in 2008, with a last-minute winner at the Kop end.
Good afternoon!
Monday 12 January 2026 16:05 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s FA Cup action as Liverpool host Barnsley in the third round.
This is the penultimate match of the third round and the Reds are more than keen to join the Premier League clubs already safely through to the next stage.
Liverpool have struggled to defend their top flight title this season and have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup. Though they have a chance of success in Europe the FA Cup is perhaps their best opportunity to win silverware this year.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and more throughout the evening so stick with us as with build up to kick off at 7.45pm.
