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Liverpool XI vs Barnsley: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for FA Cup today
Arne Slot could hand rare start to forgotten Reds defender in third-round clash at Anfield
Rotation: Arne Slot may choose to give his top Liverpool stars a rest in the FA Cup
Liverpool will be expected to ring the changes for tonight’s FA Cup tie against Barnsley, with Hugo Ekitike potentially available but Conor Bradley out.
The Reds welcome League One opposition to Anfield this evening to conclude a busy third round of action, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games across all competitions following a goalless draw away at Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday.
Ekitike missed the trip to north London and the 2-2 draw with Fulham due to a minor hamstring issue. He could be back fit tonight, but equally may not be risked by Arne Slot as the only natural centre-forward at the club currently available for selection.
Alexander Isak is a long-term injury casualty, while Mohamed Salah is still away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Those absentees should open the door for Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha to start on the flanks. Alternatively, the Italian could lead the line with Jeremie Frimpong continuing as a right winger.
Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are due a well-earned rest, though Liverpool’s options in central defence are limited with Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo both out injured.
As a result, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson could forge a partnership – which was the case in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Crystal Palace earlier this season.
Bradley was stretchered off against Arsenal and will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. He could be replaced at right-back by forgotten defender Calvin Ramsay, who has not featured for the first team since October.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Barnsley (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa
Injured: Endo, Isak, Leoni, Bradley
Doubt: Ekitike
Unavailable: Salah (AFCON)
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stands.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stLiverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 18:05, UK
Second Half: Liverpool 1-0 Man City – live on Sky
Szoboszlai scores OUTRAGEOUS free-kick! View post
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Ekitike missed huge chance as Liverpool came to life View post | Teams
Live Premier Leagueands.
Liverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 16:30, UK
First Half: Liverpool 0-0 Man City – live on Sky
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Liverpool FC team news vs. Man City: 6 defenders unavailable for Arne Slot
Liverpool have six defenders unavailable for their game against Man City, with Arne Slot‘s hand forced at centre-back and right-back.
Liverpool are down to their bare bones at the back, with six defenders unable to start as the Reds try to keep pace with their top-four competitors in the Premier League.
Liverpool Injury & Absentee List
PlayerInjury TypeStatusExpected ReturnJoe GomezKneeDoubtMan City (H)Jeremie FrimpongGroinUnavailableEarly MarchConor BradleyKnee (Surgery)UnavailablePre-season 2026Giovanni LeoniACL (Surgery)UnavailableNext seasonAlexander IsakFibula FractureUnavailableLate MarchStefan BajceticHamstringRehabLate FebruaryJayden DannsHamstringRehabFebruaryWellity LuckyHamstringUnavailableApril
Joe Gomez‘s fitness is the main talking point ahead of the match at Anfield, given his presence would provide cover at centre-back and full-back.
He didn’t train on Thursday, though, and Slot explained: “We have a little bit of hope that he might train on Saturday.
“So not available to start, but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”
With Giovanni Leoni out until next season, academy defenders Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have made the bench in the Premier League a combined five times this season.
The latter is injured, however, so unable to come in against Man City.
Nallo got injured during Tuesday’s UEFA Youth League exit to MSK Zilina, but was named to start for the U21s on Saturday, meaning he will not be available at Anfield.
As for Lucky’s injury, the 20-year-old is set to be sidelined until April due to a hamstring injury sustained in training midway through January.
Also on Liverpool’s list of absentees is right-back Conor Bradley, who will miss the rest of the campaign.
Like Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong is currently injured but his outlook is more positive than his teammate’s.
Slot gave a brief update on the flying Dutchman’s fitness, saying he “will definitely not train this week” due to his ongoing groin problem.
With Nallo featuring at academy level, Liverpool will be without six defensive options against Man City.
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Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Man City: Szoboszlai right-back, no start for Jones
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Man City
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Robertson, Ramsay
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Endo, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Chiesa
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