Match: Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle – FA Cup Third Round
Venue: Anfield
Date: Sunday 8th January
Time: 13:30 BST
The Reds have battled their way through a gruelling Christmas schedule, and they remain right in the title hunt, five points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Drawing 2-2 with Sunderland may have been a blow, but Chelsea’s subsequent defeat at Tottenham, coupled with Liverpool beating the likes of Everton and Man City, have made it a positive week or two.
The pressure of the Premier League makes way for the return of the FA Cup this weekend, as the Reds look to lift the famous trophy for the first time in 11 years.
Standing in their way in the third round are League 2 outfit Plymouth Argyle – a team also currently second in their division.
Derek Adams’ side have continued from where they left off last season, when only a play-off final defeat to AFC Wimbledon denied them a place in League 1.
The Pilgrims are clearly huge underdogs going into the tie, but Jurgen Klopp is likely to play a weakened team littered with youngsters.
Anything other than a Liverpool win would be a shock, but Plymouth are a talented side who have nothing to lose. Let battle commence.
Team News
As mentioned, Klopp is fully expected to ring the changes on Sunday, as he gives some of his big names a much-needed breather.
With Southampton in the League Cup semi-final first-leg and Man United in the Premier League looming, that is essential.
Youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin Stewart and Ovie Ejaria all look likely to start proceedings, while Joe Gomez will return for the first time since a serious knee injury suffered in October 2015.
Ben Woodburn is another who might feature, although the teenager is perhaps more likely to begin the game on the substitutes’ bench.
The likes of Loris Karius, Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva will be hoping to feature prominently, while Divock Origi will surely start in attack.
Joel Matip, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are out, while Sadio Mane is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.
Drawing 2-2 with Sunderland may have been a blow, but Chelsea’s subsequent defeat at Tottenham, coupled with Liverpool beating the likes of Everton and Man City, have made it a positive week or two.
The pressure of the Premier League makes way for the return of the FA Cup this weekend, as the Reds look to lift the famous trophy for the first time in 11 years.
Standing in their way in the third round are League 2 outfit Plymouth Argyle – a team also currently second in their division.
Derek Adams’ side have continued from where they left off last season, when only a play-off final defeat to AFC Wimbledon denied them a place in League 1.
The Pilgrims are clearly huge underdogs going into the tie, but Jurgen Klopp is likely to play a weakened team littered with youngsters.
Anything other than a Liverpool win would be a shock, but Plymouth are a talented side who have nothing to lose. Let battle commence.
Team News
As mentioned, Klopp is fully expected to ring the changes on Sunday, as he gives some of his big names a much-needed breather.
With Southampton in the League Cup semi-final first-leg and Man United in the Premier League looming, that is essential.
Youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin Stewart and Ovie Ejaria all look likely to start proceedings, while Joe Gomez will return for the first time since a serious knee injury suffered in October 2015.
Ben Woodburn is another who might feature, although the teenager is perhaps more likely to begin the game on the substitutes’ bench.
The likes of Loris Karius, Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva will be hoping to feature prominently, while Divock Origi will surely start in attack.
Joel Matip, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are out, while Sadio Mane is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Drew 2-2 vs. Sunderland
Won 1-0 vs. Man City
Won 4-1 vs. Stoke
Won 1-0 vs. Everton
Won 3-0 vs. Middlesbrough
Plymouth – Last five results (all competitions)
Lost 1-0 vs. Barnet
Won 2-0 vs. Crawley
Drew 3-3 vs. Wycombe Wanderers
Won 1-0 vs. Newport County
Won 1-0 vs. Accrington Stanley
Liverpool vs Plymouth Key Stats
Liverpool are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 matches in the FA Cup.
Plymouth have won 10 of their last 16 away matches in all competitions.
Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season. They have won 9 of their last 11 matches at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Plymouth Betting Tips
Liverpool are in superb form right now and have a formidable record at Anfield. Bet on the .
Plymouth have done well on their travels and considering Liverpool’s injury worries, the away side might just force a replay here. Bet on .
Liverpool vs Plymouth Prediction
This should be a straightforward win for the home side. Despite being without a number of their key players, Liverpool are a lot better than Plymouth.
The League two side will put up a fight but they will struggle to contain the home attack. Liverpool win seems certain here.
