Arne Slot will field a near full-strength Liverpool XI against Barnsley in the FA Cup, making Liverpool clear favourites; punters may back Liverpool to win outright or consider a -1 handicap/over 1.5 goals market if striker Hugo Ekitike is declared fit.
Arne Slot pledges full-strength Liverpool XI for FA Cup tie with Barnsley
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has vowed there will be no repeat of last season’s weakened FA Cup side, insisting the club will treat the competition with renewed priority as they host Barnsley at Anfield on Monday. All players involved in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal will be in the squad, except for the injured Conor Bradley.
Why Slot is prioritising the FA Cup
Slot defended the selection errors that saw Liverpool eliminated by Plymouth last season, when a rotated side lost 1-0. With Liverpool no longer in the League Cup this term, Slot says the FA Cup has regained prominence and the team will reflect that shift in focus.
Squad update and fitness news ahead of Barnsley
Top scorer Hugo Ekitike has missed the last two games with a hamstring issue, but Slot hopes to have the striker available on Monday. Wataru Endo and Jayden Danns remain unavailable, though Endo is due to resume training soon. Federico Chiesa is expected to feature and remains an option in attack.
Manager comments on selection strategy
Slot emphasised squad management across the season, saying sometimes players must be rested but promising a different approach for the FA Cup tie: “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.” Slot also confirmed efforts to have Ekitike fit: “We will do everything to have him available on Monday.”
Implications for Barnsley and betting markets
A near full-strength Liverpool side at Anfield significantly boosts their chances against Championship opposition. Expect Liverpool to be heavy favourites, with likely interest in win markets, Asian handicaps (Liverpool -1) and goal markets if Ekitike returns to the lineup.
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Slot played a weakened time when the Reds were knocked out by Plymouth last season but the Liverpool manager is keen to avoid a repeat this year
The Independent
