Liverpool face an unknown opponent on Saturday as they welcome League Two side Accrington Stanley to Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Reds have only faced the Lancashire minnows once so far – an FA Cup who met back in 1956 – and should have no problem maintaining their perfect head-to-head record against them on Saturday lunchtime.
Arne Slot is expected to make significant changes to his starting line-up this weekend after a disappointing start to the new year, with fringe players likely to get the chance to impress the Dutch coach on his FA Cup debut.
Here’s how Liverpool could stand against Accrington.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – The Irishman failed to keep his place in the starting 11 against Tottenham but he should get some minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup game of the season. They will expect a clean sheet on Saturday.
RB: Conor Bradley – With Liverpool facing some thick and fast games at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley could get another run at the weekend to afford Trent Alexander-Arnold more rest.
CB: Ibrahima Konata – The centre-back could be a problem for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slott would like to give his first-choice pair a day off, but Joe Gomez’s injury and Jarell Quansah’s illness means Konate could be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool opt for youngsters such as Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Endo filled in at center back on Wednesday during defeat to Tottenham and played there earlier this season against Southampton. The Japanese captain could be used in such a role against Accrington.
LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played in midweek and the lack of alternative left-back options means Robertson is likely to return against Accrington. The poor form of the Scots led to questions regarding his long-term future at Anfield.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed on loan last season and was given a rare Carabao Cup opportunity under Sloto. The deep-lying playmaker will have another chance to shine against Accrington.
DM: Trey Nyoni – Big things are expected from the 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three senior appearances so far. The classy midfielder has rarely failed to impress either in pre-season or competitive matches.
RW: Federico Chiesa – If there was one Liverpool player who could use a goal against Accrington, it would be Chiesa. A stuttering start to his career at Anfield was made worse by frequent injuries and still waiting for the first strike of the Reds.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An early season injury sidelined Elliott, but he proved effective when called upon. He made only nine appearances this term, most of which came from the bench.
LW: Luis Diaz – With most of Liverpool’s exciting forwards out on loan, Diaz could be tasked with starting against Accrington. He played only half an hour in the middle of the week, and on Saturday he could have played longer.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Much like Chiesa, Liverpool’s misfiring striker Nunez is in desperate need of a positive display. The Uruguayan has just four goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season and continues to struggle for consistency.
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