Arne Slot has managed to steady the ship at Liverpool after a rocky middle patch this season. The Reds are currently enjoying a ten-match unbeaten run, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. They’ve drawn their last three games, including a stalemate against Arsenal, which suggests a bit of a stalemate bug has crept into the dressing room. With a crowded injury list featuring names like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, plus Mohamed Salah away on international duty, the squad depth is being tested. Still, the talent gap remains immense. Can they avoid a repeat of last year’s humiliation against Plymouth? It is hard to say how this will end if they don’t find their clinical edge early on.

The home side might see some fresh faces on Monday. Slot is expected to give minutes to youngsters like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, which could either spark some energy or lead to a lack of cohesion. Even so, the history of this fixture favors the Reds, who have won 14 of their 23 encounters. They haven’t forgotten that 2008 defeat to the Tykes, and revenge is a dish best served under the Anfield lights. Transitioning from Premier League intensity to a cup tie against lower-league opposition requires a specific mindset, but Liverpool’s recent defensive solidity should give them a sturdy platform to build from.

On the other side of the pitch, Barnsley arrives at Anfield in a bit of a mess. Sitting 17th in League One, their season has been a struggle for consistency. Coach Conor Hourihane hasn’t held back his frustration lately, reportedly going “ballistic” during a recent halftime break against Wigan. While they have games in hand that could pull them toward mid-table, their recent form is worrying, with only one point taken from their last twelve available. That is a tough momentum to bring into a stadium like Anfield. Get Reliable FA Cup Predictions often point toward the underdog’s spirit, but the Tykes will need more than just heart to survive this onslaught.

Barnsley’s away record is particularly concerning, having managed only two wins in their last 12 road trips. They will be missing Luca Connell due to suspension, which thins out their midfield options even further. That said, the FA Cup is built on stories of the unexpected. The Tykes have already navigated past York City and Peterborough to get here, showing they can grind out results when it matters. Will they be able to sit deep and frustrate a rotated Liverpool side? It’s a bold move to bet against the giants at home, but stranger things have happened in this tournament. Still, the statistical mountain they have to climb looks incredibly steep this time around.