Liverpoolvs.Accrington

After their 1-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Arne Slot's side will want to bounce back in commanding fashion in the FA Cup.

The Reds are set to host League Two strugglers Accrington Stanley at Anfield on Saturday, and Slot is expected to make numerous changes to the team and give fringe players an opportunity to shine.

Regardless of potential changes, Lynch does not believe there would be any excuse for Liverpool's exit, telling Sports Mole: "[Slot] can completely mix things up, and no matter what side he puts out against Accrington, it's a side that you would expect to get through. It's also a really good opportunity [for] so many fringe players we haven't seen an awful lot of.

"You've got options like Chiesa to come in, and you're in a really good position to go full rotation for that one, and no matter what side you put out, they should be winning this one comfortably.

"It will be the shock of the century if Liverpool were to slip up in [Saturday's FA Cup game], so I really don't expect it."

Accrington Stanley are currently sixth last in 19th in League Two and are only five points and four places above the relegation zone.

Who will start for Liverpool?

Liverpool have looked somewhat disjointed defensively recently considering they have conceded 10 goals in their last seven games in all competitions, and the likes of Ryan Gravenberch have seemed tired.

With a potentially decisive match in the Premier League title race against Nottingham Forest to come on Tuesday, the Merseysiders would be wise to consider making a number of changes to their XI this weekend.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch expressed his belief that Slot will still be able to name a strong team on Saturday even if big stars like Mohamed Salah are left out of the matchday squad, saying: "[Liverpool] need to keep sharp. [They] need to keep [fringe players] involved - the likes of Wataru Endo, Jarell Quansah - it would be great to for them to get minutes. [Liverpool could start] Darwin Nunez and try and get him a goal.

"I don't think we'll be seeing Gravenberch. No chance of Virgil van Dijk either. With it being a home game, maybe they'll be in the squad, but I can't see them being anywhere near this one, because there's no need.

"Even if it is 11 changes, you're bringing in players like Endo, who's a top-class international - was brilliant for Liverpool last season, has been very good when he's come on this season. Someone like Federico Chiesa you're bringing in as a fringe option. Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, Jarell Quansah - Conor Bradley will get a start. It's going to be a very good team."

Dominik Szoboszlai has not played since December 29, and perhaps Slot will look to give him minutes against Accrington in order to build his fitness and rhythm ahead of his side's clash against Nottingham Forest.

Should Liverpool take the FA Cup seriously?

The Reds are six points ahead of both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the title race, and considering their defensive struggles of late, fielding stronger lineups in the latter stages of the FA Cup could prove detrimental to the club's ambitions of winning the league and Champions League.

Indeed, Liverpool were competitive in the title race last season under Jurgen Klopp, but drew three, lost two and won just three of their final eight league fixtures, and eventually finished third behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, Lynch told Sports Mole that Liverpool are in a strong position from which to progress on all fronts, saying: "It's just an opportunity. If [Liverpool] had got a draw like Manchester United did - Arsenal away - it makes this week so tricky in terms of how to go about it, whereas a League Two side at home, it's just perfect.

"Touch wood, don't want to curse them, but Liverpool are close to a full-strength squad at the moment. Only Joe Gomez injured at the moment which, think about last season and how disastrous that was in terms of injuries, [means] they're in a really good position, so that bodes well for the season."

Liverpool last won the FA Cup in 2021-22, a season in which they also won the EFL Cup, finished second in the Premier League by a point and reached the Champions League final.

Written by

Lewis Nolan