Liverpool face an unfamiliar opponent on Saturday as they host League Two side Accrington Stanley at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Reds have only battled the Lancashire scouts once before – once FA Cup they met in 1956 – and they should not hesitate to maintain their perfect head-to-head record on Saturday lunchtime.
Arne Slot is expected to make major changes to his starting line-up at the weekend after a disappointing start to the new year, with the fringe players likely to get a chance to impress the Dutch manager on his FA Cup debut.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up against Accrington.
GK: Kevin Kelleher – The Irishman failed to retain his place in the starting line-up against Tottenham but a few minutes should be given to Liverpool’s first FA Cup clash of the season. On Saturday he will wait for a clean home.
RB: Conor Bradley – With games coming thick and fast for Liverpool at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley could be out again at the weekend to rest Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The central defender could be an issue for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Kouloheris would have liked to have given his first choice on the day off, but an injury to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s illness means that Konate can be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool opt for youth like Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Edo filled in at center back on Wednesday during defeat by Tottenham and played there earlier this season against Southampton. The Japanese skipper could be used in such a role against Accrington.
LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played in midweek and the lack of left-back options means Robertson is likely to return against Accrington. The Scot’s poor form has led to questions over his long-term future at Anfield.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed on loan last season and was given the odd Carabao Cup opportunity under Slot. The deep-lying playmaker will get another chance to shine against Accrington.
DM: Trey Nyoni – Big things are expected from 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three appearances to date. The classy midfielder has rarely failed to impress either in pre-season or matches.
RW: Federico Chiesa – If one Liverpool player could use a goal against Accrington, it would be Chiesa. A stutter in his Anfield career has often worsened injuries and still waiting for the Reds’ first strike.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An injury early in the season saw Elliott fall in the lineup, but he has proven effective when called upon. He has made just nine appearances this season, most of which have come from the bench.
LW: Luis Diaz – With most of Liverpool’s exciting Academy strikers out on loan, Diaz may be tasked with starting against Accrington. He only played half an hour midweek and could get more time on Saturday.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Similar to Chiesa, Liverpool striker Nunes is in desperate need of a positive performance. The Uruguayan has just four goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season and continues to struggle for consistency.
