Liverpool Must Upgrade Federico Chiesa After ‘Awful’ Display vs Barnsley

Liverpool edged Barnsley 4-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round, but Federico Chiesa’s poor display exposes right-wing fragility. Punters should avoid backing Chiesa as an anytime scorer and consider Liverpool -1.5 or match-winner markets favoring the Reds; bettors might also watch goalscorer markets excluding Chiesa if he keeps starting on the right.

Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley — Progress Masked by Worrying Display

Liverpool progressed to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Barnsley, but the scoreline flattered a side that looked unsettled for large spells. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, and Liverpool doubled their lead through Jeremie Frimpong. A careless Szoboszlai backheel fell to Adam Phillips, who pulled one back for Barnsley, and the League One visitors pressed for an equaliser, even appealing for a penalty when Reyes Cleary went down in the box under Szoboszlai’s challenge. Florian Wirtz restored control with an 84th-minute curl, and Hugo Ekitike wrapped up the tie with a late tap-in.

Federico Chiesa Must Improve — Right Flank Concerns

Federico Chiesa, starting on the right, offered little threat and will leave the manager with selection headaches ahead of the Brighton clash. Despite one key pass, Chiesa failed to complete any crosses or dribbles, won none of his duels, and saw both of his shots blocked. The performance underlined a lack of reliable depth on the right wing and heightened speculation that Liverpool need a more effective backup who can relieve pressure on Mohamed Salah or even challenge for his spot long-term.

Chiesa by the Numbers

Minutes played: 60 Key passes: 1 Crosses (accurate): 3 (0) Passing accuracy: 22/26 (85%) Total shots: 2 (0 on target) Touches: 37 Possession lost: 9 Ground duels (won): 3 (0) Aerial duels (won): 2 (0)

Fan Reaction and Tactical Fallout

Supporters were vocal after the match, criticising Chiesa’s impact and suggesting he’s miscast on the right. Calls for a left-footed right-wing backup or a reshuffle that suits Chiesa’s natural game grew louder. The debate now centres on whether the manager persists with the current setup or prioritises a transfer to plug the right-wing gap.

Squad Depth and Transfer Implications

Monday night amplified concerns about squad balance. If Chiesa remains the primary backup on the right, Liverpool may need to pursue a specialist winger or a versatile wide forward in the transfer market to ensure sustained competition and cover for the team’s main attacking outlets.

Betting Implications

The result keeps Liverpool strong favourites in outright and match-betting markets, but Chiesa’s form undermines his value in goalscorer markets. Punters should favour Liverpool win and handicap markets (Liverpool -1.5) over backing Chiesa anytime scorer. If his role on the right continues, bettors may prefer goalscorer options that exclude him.

Conor Bradley's knee injury is cruel – and Liverpool's defence is stretched without him

Liverpool need to sign a replacement for Federico Chiesa after his lacklustre display against Barnsley in the FA Cup.

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