Liverpool face unfamiliar opposition on Saturday when they welcome Accrington Stanley to Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Reds have only battled the Lancashire fish once FA Cup they met in 1956, and they should have no qualms about maintaining their perfect record when they face them on Saturday at noon.
Arne Slot is expected to make significant changes to his starting line-up at the weekend after a disappointing start to the New Year, with the fringe players likely to get a chance to impress the Dutch manager on their debut in the FA Cup.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up against Accrington.
GK: Kevin Kelleher – The Irishman failed to retain his place in the starting eleven against Tottenham but he should be handed some minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup game of the season. A goalless goal will await on Saturday.
RB: Conor Bradley – With fast and intense games for Liverpool at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley could have another run at the weekend to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold more rest.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The centre-back could be a problem for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slot wanted to have given his first choice on the day off, but an injury to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s illness means that Konate may be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool opt for youth, like Amara Nallo.
CB: Wataru Endo – Endo took center stage on Wednesday defeat against Tottenham and played in it earlier this season against Southampton. The Japanese skipper could be used in this role against Accrington.
LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played in midweek and the lack of alternative left-back options means Robertson is likely to return against Accrington. The poor form of the Scot has caused questions about his long-term Anfield future.
DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed on loan last season and has been given the rare opportunity of the Carabao Cup under Slot. The deep-lying playmaker will get another chance to shine against Accrington.
DM: Trey Nyoni – Big things are expected of 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three senior appearances so far. The stylish midfielder has rarely failed to impress in pre-season or competitive matches.
RW: Federico Chiesa – If one Liverpool player could use a goal against Accrington, it would be Chiesa. The stuttering start to his Anfield career has been compounded by frequency injuries and he is still waiting for the first strike of the Reds.
AM: Harvey Elliott – An early season injury has seen Elliott fall down the pecking order, but he has proven effective when called upon. He has only played nine games this term, most of which have come from the bench.
LW: Luis Diaz – With most of Liverpool’s exciting academy forwards out on loan, Diaz could be tasked with starting against Accrington. He only played half an hour during the week and on Saturday it could be extended.
ST: Darwin Núñez – Like Chiesa, Liverpool striker Nunez is in desperate need of a positive display. The Uruguayan has just four goals and three assists in 25 games this season and continues to struggle for consistency.
