Liverpool face an unknown opponent on Saturday when they host League Two side Accrington Stanley at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Reds have only faced the Lancashire minnows once before – a FA Cup in 1956 – and they should have no qualms about maintaining their perfect record against them on Saturday lunchtime.
Arne Slot is expected to make significant changes to his starting XI this weekend after a disappointing start to the year, with fringe players likely given the chance to impress the Dutch manager on his FA Cup debut.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up against Accrington.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – The Irishman failed to retain his place in the starting XI against Tottenham but he should have a few minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup match of the season. He will expect a clean sheet on Saturday.
RB: Conor Bradley – With games just around the corner for Liverpool at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley could get another outing this weekend to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold some more rest.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté – The central defender could be a problem for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slot would have wanted to give his first choice duo the day off, but an injury to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s illness means Konate could be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool go for youngsters, like Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Endo replaced the central defender on Wednesday during defeat against Tottenham and played there earlier this season against Southampton. The Japanese skipper could be used in such a role against Accrington.
GM: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played in midweek and the lack of alternative options at left-back means Robertson will likely return against Accrington. The Scot’s poor form led to questions surrounding his long-term future at Anfield.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed on loan last season and had 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 senior appearances to date. The stylish midfielder has rarely failed to impress, whether in pre-season or in competition.
AD: Federico Chiesa – If any Liverpool player could use a goal against Accrington it would be Chiesa. A choppy start to his career at Anfield was exacerbated by frequent injuries and he is still waiting for a first strike from the Reds.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An injury early in the season saw Elliott fall down the order, but he was effective when called upon. He has made just nine appearances this season, most of which have come from the bench.
AG: Luis Diaz – With the bulk of Liverpool’s exciting academy forwards out on loan, Diaz could be tasked with starting against Accrington. He only played half an hour midweek and could play longer on Saturday.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Like Chiesa, failed Liverpool striker Nunez is in desperate need of a positive display. The Uruguayan has just four goals and three assists in 25 matches this season and continues to struggle for consistency.
