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Liverpool is set to host Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on January 11, 2025. This encounter marks only the second official meeting between the two clubs, the first being a 2-0 victory for Liverpool in the same round of the FA Cup during the 1955-56 season.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League, enters this match as the clear favorite. Despite a recent 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, manager Arne Slot is expected to rotate his squad to manage player fatigue amid a congested fixture schedule. Key players like Harvey Elliott, who has a commendable FA Cup record, are anticipated to feature prominently.
Accrington Stanley, positioned 19th in League Two, has shown resilience with consecutive victories over Grimsby Town and Colchester United. Manager John Doolan, a former Liverpool academy coach, brings a personal connection to this fixture, having mentored a young Trent Alexander-Arnold. Doolan acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead but remains optimistic about his team's prospects, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.
Historically, Accrington Stanley has struggled against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup, losing all three of their previous encounters. In contrast, Liverpool boasts a strong FA Cup pedigree, having secured the trophy eight times, with their most recent triumph in 2022. The Reds have been eliminated at the third-round stage only once in the past 13 seasons, underscoring their consistency in the competition.
This fixture not only offers a classic David versus Goliath narrative but also provides an opportunity for Liverpool's fringe players to make an impact and for Accrington Stanley to potentially script a historic upset. The match is scheduled for a 12:15 pm kickoff and will be broadcast live on ITV1.
