Liverpool host Barnsley in FA Cup third round as league focus shifts

Liverpool meet League One Barnsley at Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Monday, arriving after three straight draws; Barnsley sit 17th in League One and have not won in their last four matches.

Liverpool will aim to return to winning ways when they host Barnsley at Anfield in the FA Cup third round on Monday night. The Reds arrive after three consecutive draws and see the tie as an opportunity to regain momentum. With their Premier League title hopes having faded in recent weeks, the club has increasingly focused on domestic cups as realistic routes to success. Barnsley come from League One, sitting 17th and working to stabilise a difficult campaign. Match details and form: - Liverpool are unbeaten across their last ten matches in all competitions but have drawn three straight games. - Barnsley sit 17th in League One, with eight wins from 21 league matches and no wins in their last four outings. - The visitors have managed only two victories in their last 12 away matches, highlighting the challenge of playing at Anfield. - Arne Slot is likely to rotate the squad but is expected to field a team capable of controlling the match and avoiding unnecessary drama. - Liverpool have spoken about the need to turn draws into wins, and this tie represents a chance to restore confidence. Summary: A decisive victory would help Liverpool rebuild rhythm and clarity after recent draws. For Barnsley, the match is a free hit that will demand discipline, resilience and compact defending. The next step is the FA Cup third-round match at Anfield on Monday night.