Liverpool host Barnsley in the FA Cup and Arne Slot has guaranteed a strong squad will be named, but what could his XI look like against the League One side?

 

Four days on from the goalless draw at the Emirates, Liverpool will be back at Anfield aiming to progress to the next stage of their last remaining domestic cup campaign.

 

The third round of the FA Cup has often prompted mass rotation and rest for senior players, but Slot has guaranteed that “you will see all the players” who featured at Arsenal.

 

He explained there will likely be “some substitutions (to his XI), but then they will be on the bench,” which begs the question of who he will name in his starting lineup on Monday evening.

Liverpool team news vs. Barnsley: Ekitike and Bradley latest

 

Conor Bradley ruled out for the rest of the season with significant knee injury, surgery planned for the coming week

 

Liverpool will do “everything” to have Hugo Ekitike available after he missed the last two matches

 

Wataru Endo still sidelined, as is Jayden Danns and Alexander Isak, while Mo Salah is still at AFCON

 

Strong squad: Arne Slot has guaranteed he will have a strong squad against Barnsley, unlike last season’s trip to Plymouth

 

Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs. Barnsley

 

 

With Slot insisting that the core of his first-team squad will be involved on Monday, there is not too much scope for academy players or widespread changes.

 

Instead, there is likely to be a sprinkle of those involved at Arsenal and those who were on the bench in the XI, meaning Ibrahima Konate, Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo could be retained.

 

Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson could then come into the backline as strong replacements, with Trey Nyoni and Curtis Jones to combine in midfield.

 

With Frimpong dropping to right-back after Bradley’s injury, Federico Chiesa has an opportunity on the right wing, with Rio Ngumoha afforded a chance on the left after one substitute appearance in the last 11.

 

This lineup would afford Slot pre-planned changes with the likes of Konate, Szboszlai and Gakpo, likely at half time, to share the playing load:

 



 

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Gomez, Robertson; Nyoni, Jones; Chiesa, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Gakpo

 

The other changes Slot could look to make is naming Calvin Ramsay at right-back to keep Frimpong on the right wing, which would, in turn, see Chiesa lead the attack.

 

Slot did not seem to guarantee Chiesa a start as he reiterated Ekitike’s possible availability, but there is no need to risk either Gakpo or the No. 22 from the start after respective fitness issues.

 

Virgil van Dijk could play the first 45 minutes before swapping with Konate after the interval, while Alexis Mac Allister could also start.

 

Those tweaks would look like this:

 



 

Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Nyoni, Jones; Frimpong, Mac Allister, Ngumoha; Chiesa

 

Slot does not have the luxury of endless depth, but he knows the visit of Barnsley comes four days after the Arsenal draw and five before the visit of Burnley.

 

That is a kind schedule, which will be part of his decision-making, but also that Liverpool cannot afford to be knocked out early in two domestic cup competitions at Anfield in a single season.

 

There are options available to the Dutchman and scope for changes during the match, but either way, it will be a strong squad that hosts the League One side.

 

 

Liverpool news and transfers live as the Reds take a break from Premier League action, with Marc Guehi’s future still the major talking point in the January window

 

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is wanted by a host of clubs including Liverpool

 

Liverpool takes a break from the race for the top four in the Premier League as the FA Cup takes center stage this weekend, and no doubt supporters will be hoping the Reds step up their January transfer plans.

 

The first major signing of the window was made on Friday as Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City, but at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of Liverpool joining its rival in making a major signing.

 

Of course, there are rumors circulating, and plenty of time for things to change, especially after Conor Bradley’s injury against Arsenal handed the Reds another big setback.

 

Will that change things in the pursuit of Marc Guehi? The Crystal Palace defender’s future is in the air after Oliver Glasner opened the door to a move this month, and there are suggestions that Liverpool could get him in a cut-price deal.

 

Stay up to date with all the latest Liverpool transfer news via our live blog.

 

Key Events

 

Conor Bradley out for rest of season

Guehi picks between Liverpool and Man City

 

Szoboszlai contract ‘agreement’ reached

 

Yan Diomande

 

Marc Guehi price

 

Mane’s productive Afcon campaign

 

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will meet in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals this week when Egypt faces Senegal in Tangier.

 

Salah scored in Egypt’s 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, a day after Mane’s Senegal beat Mali 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

 

Salah’s goal was his fourth at the tournament, while Mane has just one goal in five appearances – but that’s not to say he’s having a disappointing tournament. In fact, he has created more chances from open play (14) and had more touches in the opposition half (233) than any other player in the tournament.

 

Mane has actually been the most productive player in Afcon over the last 10 years, registering 19 direct goal contributions (10 goals and nine assists).

 

He is the only player who has registered more direct goal contributions than Salah over that span of time – the Liverpool forward has 16 (11 goals and five assists).

 

 

 

Salah could miss three more games

 

Egypt’s win over Ivory Coast in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations means that it is guaranteed to play two more games at the tournament.

 

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored what proved to be Egypt’s decisive third goal in a 3-2 win, setting up a semi-final meeting with Senegal in Tangier.

 

That game will take place on Jan. 14 – and even if Salah and Co fall at the semi-final stage, they will have to go again in a third-place play-off against the loser of the other semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco, which will take place on Jan. 15. The third-place play-off is scheduled for Jan. 17, while the final will take place on Jan. 18.

 

Salah is guaranteed to miss Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round meeting with Barnsley on Monday as well as next weekend’s Premier League meeting with Burnley, while it seems unlikely that he will be available for the Champions League meeting with Marseille on Jan. 21.

 

 

United out of the FA Cup

 

It’s been a long time since Manchester United losing at home was a surprise, but it’s just happened again, and it means the Red Devils are out of the FA Cup.

 

United lost 2-1 to Brighton in a game that also saw teenage Scouser Shea Lacey sent off.

 

 

Arteta praises Slot

 

Mikel Arteta has praised Arne Slot for how he reacted to the incident involving Gabriel Martinelli and Conor Bradley last week.

 

“It’s part of football and then it’s how you take it,” Arteta said of the criticism aimed at Martinelli, who shoved Bradley while he lay injured during Liverpool’s draw with Arsenal.

 

“But he knew inside the reason why he did what he did. I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game, speaking of your opponent in the manner that he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to damage any player.

 

“And yeah, that’s personality. Come in and talk on the pitch, which is the best part of it.”

 

 

Ekitike injury latest

 

Arne Slot has raised hopes of Hugo Ekitike returning from his recent injury in Liverpool’s game against Barnsley in the FA Cup tomorrow.

 

Speaking after the goalless draw against Arsenal, the Reds boss said:

 

Hugo, not 100 percent sure, but we will do everything to have him available on Monday.

 

 

Liverpool head Arne Slot and striker Hugo Ekitike.

Conor Bradley out for rest of season

 

A huge blow for Liverpool as the club has confirmed that Conor Bradley will need to undergo surgery on the knee injury he picked up against Arsenal.

 

No official timeframe has been given, but Liverpool.com understands that the right-back’s season is over. Although the injury is not an ACL, as first speculated, Bradley has suffered damage to bone and ligament.

 

 

Conor Bradley has sustained a ‘significant’ knee injury, Liverpool has confirmed

 

Chiesa stance on Juventus return emerges

 

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport is suggesting that Federico Chiesa is eyeing up a return to Juventus.

 

The winger is said to see an opportunity to make a return to Turin, with Thiago Motta, who was in charge when he left for Liverpool, no longer in the job.

 

It’s claimed that Chiesa feels he has unfinished business at Juve, and sees a chance for redemption under Luciano Spalletti.

 

 

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is seen during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield

 

Crystal Palace names Guehi price

 

Crystal Palace wants around $54M (£40M) in order to let Marc Guehi go this month, according to The Guardian.

 

The report comes amid ongoing speculation over the defender’s future, with Arsenal now said to have joined the race. It’s suggested though that any move from the Gunners would be more likely in the summer, when he would be available for free.

 

Manchester City is claimed to have expressed an interest in signing Guehi this month, while Liverpool is among the sides hoping to get him once his contract expires.

 

 

Liverpool join Jacquet race

 

Liverpool has joined the race for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, according to Football Insider.

 

The Reds are said to have registered an interest in the 20-year-old, who is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League.

 

Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be in the running for his signature, while Manchester City and Real Madrid are also interested.

 

 

Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes

 

Bajcetic approach knocked back

 

Liverpool has knocked back an attempt from Girona to sign Stefan Bajcetic on loan, according to Spanish outlet SPORT (via Anfield Watch).

 

The midfielder has been out injured after undergoing surgery, and is yet to make a return to action after suffering a setback in his rehabilitation.

 

Despite that, Girona is claimed to have been eyeing him up as a target, although it is now said to be moving on to other options after Liverpool ruled out a move.

 

 

Second player wants Liverpool transfer

 

Another player has revealed he wants a move to Liverpool – although this one seems a bit more unlikely than Yan Diomande.

 

Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis has 11 goals and 15 assists for his club this season, and has spoken to Het Nieuwsblad about speculation linking him with a move away this month:

 

I’m not aware of any concrete interest at the moment, so I’m not even considering it. Maybe you know more than I do. I’d like to win the title here first. Although you never know, so I can’t say with 100% certainty that I’ll stay this winter.

 

If a crazy team comes along, like Barcelona, Liverpool… Anyway, you know what I mean. But I don’t think that will happen in the winter.

 



 

Christos Tzolis has spoken about his future (Image: Belgaimage)

 

08:01KEY EVENT

 

Guehi picks between Liverpool and Man City

 

Marc Guehi has reportedly picked between a transfer to Liverpool and Manchester City, with the defender said to prefer a switch to Anfield.

 

The Athletic’s Sam Lee gave the Let Me Talk podcast the lowdown:

 

On Monday night I was told by somebody who knows what’s going on at City, but also I think probably Palace as well, he said he thinks Guehi wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool in any case.

 

Somebody else messaged me on Twitter and I know he’s very good on other club stuff, he was like ‘yeah, he wants to stay until the summer and he prefers Liverpool and Arsenal’. I was like ‘well I haven’t heard Arsenal,’ but that kind of tallies what I’d been told the night before.

 

 

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

 

Salah and Mane to meet in Afcon semis

 

Mohamed Salah scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Egypt edged a five-goal quarter-final against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The victory sets up a semi-final clash between Egypt and Senegal, which will feature the intriguing subplot of Salah coming up against former Reds teammate Sadio Mane.

 

Egypt took a two-goal lead against Ivory Coast through Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia before an own-goal from Ahmed Abou El Fotouh made the score 2-1.

 

Salah restored Egypt’s cushion before Guela Doue pulled another goal back for Ivory Coast, but there was to be no further scoring as Egypt secured the final semi-final spot.

 

Salah scores!

 

Mohamed Salah is currently in Afcon action, with Egypt leading Ivory Coast 3-1 in the quarter-final.

 

Salah has just scored the third of those goals, and he’s on course for a semi-final appearance with his country.

 

 

Egypt’s forward #10 Mohamed Salah celebrates his goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football match between Egypt and Ivory Coast at the Grand stadium in

 

Di Marzio on Guehi

 

Manchester City has been tipped to win the battle to sign Marc Guehi, should the Etihad Stadium club make a serious play to land the Crystal Palace captain this month.

 

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio discussed the possibility of Guehi moving to City instead of Liverpool, and said that it would be the biggest deal of the time that remains in the window, after Antoine Semenyo’s future was resolved when he made a move from Bournemouth to City a few days ago.

 

“He probably wanted to be a free agent,” Di Marzio told AceOdds.com of Guehi. “But with Man City having urgent defensive problems, we will see if they’ll really go for him. If Man City go for a player, they usually get him. They will make a good offer to Crystal Palace and Guehi. They can afford it.”

 

“Otherwise, he’s free to wait for Bayern Munich or Liverpool. He’s in the perfect position because he can ask for a big salary as he’s free.

 

“If Man City says they want him, he will go. I think this is the deal of January, after Semenyo to Man City. Guehi can be the biggest deal of the Premier League in this window.”

 

 

 

Asking price for Chiesa

 

Liverpool reportedly wants £10 million ($11.6 million) in order to sell Federico Chiesa this month, amid links with a Juventus return.

 

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juve in the 2024 summer transfer window, but has failed to make an impression on Arne Slot at Anfield, starting just twice in the Premier League since the beginning of last season.

 

Juve was originally said to be considering an approach to re-sign Chiesa on a loan deal until the end of the season, but Tuttosport reports that Liverpool would only be willing to sanction a permanent exit.

 

 

 

Elliott to America?

 

Harvey Elliott is reportedly willing to go to MLS to ensure he doesn’t remain on the sidelines at Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

 

It was reported earlier in the January window that Elliott was not considering a move to the United States — but Sports Boom suggests that the player’s stance has now changed.

 

Chicago Fire and New York City are both said to have reached out to Elliott’s representatives over the prospect of him joining them for the start of the MLS season next month, with a Stateside move now said to be “firmly on the cards.”

 

 

Guehi humiliated in FA Cup

 

A day to forget for Marc Guehi and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup as the holders crash out at the first hurdle to non-league Macclesfield.

 

Liverpool might not have been too impressed by what it saw from the England international in conceding the first goal in his side’s 2-1 defeat.

 

 

Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace against Macclesfield in the FA Cup

 

 

Chiesa ‘contacting former teammates’

 

Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with a move back to Italy this month, with Tuttosport now claiming the winger has been contacting some of his former teammates.

 

Chiesa is reported to have been in touch with Dusan Vlahovic, Manuel Locatelli and Federico Gatti as rumors continue over a return to Juventus, with the 28-year-old said to only be considering a move back to Turin amid other offers.

 

 

Federico Chiesa has been linked with a Liverpool transfer exit once again

 

Upamecano contract expected

 

Any hopes Liverpool might have had of signing Dayot Upamecano on a free in the summer look to be coming to an end.

 

According to CF Bayern Insider, the defender is close to signing a new contract at Bayern Munich, with Upamecano’s agents expected to give the green light on a new deal “very soon”.

 

 

Bayern Munich center-back Dayot Upamecano.

 

 

Liverpool and Bayern in Diomande race

 

Liverpool is in the race for Yan Diomande, Christian Falk has told CF Bayern Insider.

 

Bayern Munich is said to have the RB Leipzig star on its shortlist as competition for Luis Diaz, but it will have to factor in the interest coming from the Premier League.

 

As well as Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City are also named, while Manchester United has been touted elsewhere.

 



 

Yan Diomande has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

 

10:11KEY EVENT

 

Szoboszlai contract ‘agreement’ reached

 

Dominik Szoboszlai has reached an agreement over a new contract at Liverpool, according to Caught Offside.

 

The report claims that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been showing interest in the midfielder, but he’s expected to extend his stay at Anfield.

 

Szoboszlai’s current contract runs until 2028, having been signed back in 2023.

 

 

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai

 

Ndiaye signing confirmed

 

Liverpool of course confirmed the signing of young defender Mor Talla Ndiaye on Friday.

 

The 18-year-old is set to join the Reds’ U21s side, having impressed at the U17 World Cup in Qatar with Senegal in November.

 

 

Mor Ndiaye in action for Senegal at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

 

Yan Diomande plea

 

RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has seemingly issued a come and get me plea to Liverpool amid links with the Reds.

 

Sky Sports Switzerland reported last month that the club was in “very advanced” contact for the 19-year-old, who has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga this season.

 

And the winger outlined his desire to play for Liverpool during a TikTok Live video:

 

I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My father’s dream is to see me play for Liverpool.

 

Conor Bradley injury latest

 

Arne Slot has admitted he’s “fearing the worst” for Conor Bradley after his injury against Arsenal on Thursday.

 

The right-back had to be stretchered off and left the Emirates Stadium on crutches, and it seems a lengthy absence might be in the offing.

 

There is no official word yet on how long he might be out for, but the signs aren’t looking promising for the Northern Ireland international.

 

 

Conor Bradley left the field on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury.

 

Marc Guehi price drop

 

Liverpool could get Marc Guehi at a reduced price this month, with Sky Sports reporting Crystal Palace is willing to sell.

 

It’s suggested that Palace is expecting an offer from the Reds, and the Eagles would be prepared to sell for less than £35M ($47M).

 

That’s lower than the amount that was agreed between the two clubs on deadline day during the summer, and given the current injury situation, it might be too good for Liverpool to turn down.

 

 

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

 

Hello Liverpool fans, and welcome to our live updates as we bring you all the latest transfer news and rumors.

 

We’re still waiting to see whether the Reds will make any major signings this month, but there is plenty of time for things to change, and there is one name on everyone’s lips at the moment…

 

Two Shots in 11 Touches: Arsenal Star Sent Mikel Arteta Clear Message vs Portsmouth

 

 

 

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal picked up a resounding 4-1 victory over Championship side Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s first-ever senior hat-trick, but it also marked the return of Kai Havertz, who played his first minutes in Gunners colours for the first time since August.

 

The away contingent at Fratton Park stood and applauded the German, who has been out since their Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United with a knee injury, as he replaced Gabriel Jesus at the sharp end of the pitch in the 69th minute.

 

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: In May 2020, while on the books of Bayer Leverkusen, Kai Havertz became the first Bundesliga player to score 35 goals before turning 21.

 

Straight away, given the concerns over Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to English top flight football, Havertz proved why so many Arsenal fans have been ruing for his return to the grass. Arteta and his staff now have a potentially season-defining decision to make and fans have made their feelings very clear.

 

Is it Time to Drop Gyokeres and Start Havertz Up Top?

 



 

Simply, yes. Gyokeres – signed in the summer from Sporting CP – has struggled to hit the ground running in north London, plundering seven goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Five of those (against Leeds United, Burnley and Everton) have come in the Premier League.

 

The Swede’s torrid run of form has been highlighted by The Telegraph, who have analysed the performance levels of all 33 strikers to have played at least 500 minutes in the Premier League. He ranks 33rd for possession loss rate, 31st for passes completed, 30th for duel success and 28th for aerial duels won. Havertz provides much, much more.

 

Energetic from the off, Havertz enjoyed 11 touches – five of those coming inside the Portsmouth 18-yard box – and took two shots, proving that he is able to threaten in the final third, an aspect that Gyokeres is yet to master on a consistent basis.

 

The 26-year-old, who has played 89 times for Arsenal since his move in the summer of 2023, also won 100% of his aerial duels in the short time he was on the pitch.

 

Not only did he fare well from a statistical point of view, but he also passed the eye test. A brilliant runner, Havertz was willing to press Pompey’s backline and his off-ball movement opened up space and opportunities for those around him.

 

Moving forwards, it would be wise for Arteta to start the one-time Champions League winner ahead of Gyokeres and Jesus – only, of course, when he is back to full fitness.

 

Kai Havertz – Arsenal Statistics

 

Signed

 

From Chelsea in July 2023

 

Cost

 

£65 million

 

Matches

 

89

 

Goals

 

29

 

Assists

 

13

 

Cost per Goal Involvement

 

£1.55 million

 

Arsenal, who have finished second in back-to-back-to-back campaigns, will require Havertz’s firepower and clever movement in the remaining months of the season and so easing him back into proceedings would be wise.

 

As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is exactly the case between the Emirates Stadium faithful and their returning forward, who is one of the highest-paid Premier League players with him earning £280,000 in the capital. On the Germany international, Arteta said in his full-time interview with TNT Sports:

 

“His awareness, when he needs to move. Where he needs to move. We miss him big time. It’s a pleasure to watch him.”

 

Kai Havertz Returns: How Have Arsenal Fans Reacted to his Performance?

 



 

As mentioned, those inside the stadium showed their love and adoration for the ex-Chelsea man when he entered the fray with 21 minutes left of regulation time – and the response online has been awfully similar. After his instant impact (a key pass), one wrote: “Kai Havertz chance created with his second touch already.”

 

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“KAI HAVERTZ KEY PASS 3 MINUTES IN,” another wrote before one suggested that Havertz could play in the pocket behind Gyokeres moving forward. They commented: “That pass from Kai Havertz… Now imagine he is playing behind Gyokeres… Wow a partnership.”

 

Others, however, believe that he offers much more than the Swede. “Just look at how Kai Havertz plays. He has had more touches already than Gyokeres in the last game,” they wrote.

 

“Kai Havertz has just done something within 2 minutes of being on after being out for 5 months that Viktor Gyokeres just hasn’t got in his locker.”

 

“Ahhhh man, Kai Havertz welcomed back already. Transformed how we look offensively in seconds. Class act,” a sixth supporter of Arsenal added, as another wrote: “Ladies and gentlemen, Kai Havertz is backkkkk. Did you see the pass to Madueke?” A final fan kept it short and sweet by saying: “Kai Havertz has changed my life.”