Liverpool v Barnsley: FA Cup predictions, the best bets and odds

Liverpool v Barnsley: FA Cup predictions, best bets and odds

Liverpool will look to get back to winning ways when they welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield in the FA Cup third round, with Arne Slot likely viewing this competition as a realistic route to silverware.

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The Reds arrive unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions but have drawn each of their last three games, most recently away at Arsenal.

With both the Premier League title race and EFL Cup no longer in their hands, the FA Cup represents Liverpool’s clearest opportunity to end the season with a trophy. Barnsley, meanwhile, travel to Anfield in poor form and face an uphill task against vastly superior opposition.

• 0 0Liverpool to win – 13/100 with Bet365

• 0 0Over 2.5 goals – 7/25 with Bet365

• 0 0Florian Wirtz to play 2+ shots – 33/100 with Bet365

33/100 with Bet365

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

Even with expected rotation, it’s difficult to see anything other than a comfortable Liverpool victory. Slot’s side are unbeaten in 10 games and have steadied the ship defensively, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven matches across all competitions.

Barnsley are enduring a difficult campaign in League One, sitting 17th and having lost four of their last six matches. They have managed just three clean sheets in 30 competitive games this season and have failed to score in nine of those fixtures.

Facing opposition of Liverpool’s quality at Anfield represents a significant step up, and the hosts should have far too much depth and quality to avoid an upset.

Tip: Liverpool to win @ 13/1000Liverpool to win @ 13/1

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Liverpool beat Barnsley in regular time.

Goals are expected despite Liverpool’s recent run of draws. The Reds have scored in nine of their last 11 matches, while Barnsley have conceded regularly keeping just one clean sheet in their last nine fixtures and suffering multiple shutout defeats against League One opposition.

Barnsley’s defensive struggles, combined with Liverpool’s attacking depth and the likelihood of a fast start at Anfield point towards a match that should comfortably clear the over 2.5 goals line.

Even if Slot’s side rotate, the gulf in class suggests Liverpool will create plenty of chances.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/250Over 2.5 goals @ 7/25

Bet explanation: This bet wins if there are at least three goals scored in the game between Liverpool and Barnsley.

Florian Wirtz looks well placed to be heavily involved. After a slow start to life in England, the German international is finding his rhythm, scoring in back-to-back matches against Wolves and Fulham and increasing his overall goal involvement tally.

With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and rotation expected elsewhere, Wirtz should again be central to Liverpool’s attacking play.

Against a Barnsley side that has struggled defensively all season, backing him to register two or more shots looks a strong angle, particularly if Liverpool dominate possession as expected.

Tip: Florian Wirtz to play 2+ shots @ 33/100Florian Wirtz to play 2+ shots @ 33/1

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Florian Wirtz plays at least two shots against Barnsley.

• 0 0Liverpool - 13/100 with Bet365

• 0 0Draw - 15/2 with Bet365

• 0 0Barnsley - 12/1 with Bet365

12/1 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.

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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.