The FA Cup returns on Monday night as Liverpool host Barnsley at Anfield. The fixture pairs a Premier League side with top four ambitions against a League One team navigating an inconsistent domestic campaign.
Liverpool enter the tie fourth in the league after 21 matches. Their record stands at W10-D5-L6, collecting 35 points. Recent results show a clear uptick after a poor run of three victories in 12 games. Over the last 10 league games they have lost only once, taking 17 points. Defensive control has been stable during that run, with clean sheets landing in 40% of matches and just 11 goals conceded.
At Anfield, Liverpool’s form leans toward control rather than volatility. Across their last six home league games they have averaged 1.83 points per game, conceding only five goals. Both teams have scored in just 33% of those matches, reinforcing a pattern of managed home performances.WATCH HERE;
Barnsley arrive after navigating two FA Cup rounds. They edged York City 3-2 at home before winning 1-0 away at Peterborough United. League One form places them 17th after 21 matches, with eight wins, five draws, and eight losses. Their recent six game run is W1-D1-L4, highlighting a lack of momentum.
Underlying indicators explain that position. Barnsley sit on 26.9 xPTS, below their actual total of 29. Defensive consistency remains an issue, with only two clean sheets all season and a concession profile shaped by games opening rather than settling. The step up in venue and opposition presents a significant test on Monday night.
