rewrite this title Liverpool predicted lineup vs Accrington – FA Cup

Liverpool face an unfamiliar opponent on Saturday as they welcome League Two outfit Accrington Stanley to Anfield in the FA Cup third round.

The Reds have only battled with the Lancashire minnows once before – an FA Cup meeting back in 1956 – and they should have no qualms maintaining their perfect head-to-head record against them on Saturday lunchtime.

Arne Slot is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup at the weekend following a disappointing start to the new year, with fringe players likely to be gifted an opportunity to impress the Dutch coach during his FA Cup debut.

Here is how Liverpool could line up against Accrington.

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – The Irishman failed to retain his spot in the starting XI against Tottenham but should be handed some minutes in Liverpool’s first FA Cup encounter of the season. He will be expecting a clean sheet on Saturday.

RB: Conor Bradley – With games coming thick and fast for Liverpool at the start of the new season, including a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, Bradley may get another run out at the weekend to afford Trent Alexander-Arnold more rest.

CB: Ibrahima Konate – Centre-back may be an issue for Liverpool this weekend. Ideally, Slot would want to have handed his first-choice pairing the day off, but an injury to Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah’s illness mean that Konate may be forced to start. Either that or Liverpool opt for youth, such as Amara Nallo.

CB: Wataru Endo – Endo filled in at centre-back on Wednesday during defeat to Tottenham and played there earlier this season against Southampton. The Japan skipper could be utilised in such a role against Accrington.

LB: Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas played midweek and a lack of alternative left-back options means that Robertson will likely return against Accrington. The Scotsman’s poor form has led to questions regarding his long-term Anfield future.

DM: Tyler Morton – Morton impressed out on loan last season and has been given the odd Carabao Cup opportunity under Slot. The deep-lying playmaker will have another chance to shine against Accrington.

DM: Trey Nyoni – Big things are expected of 17-year-old Nyoni, who has made three senior appearances to date. The classy midfielder has seldom failed to impress whether in pre-season or competitive fixtures.

RW: Federico Chiesa – If one Liverpool player could use a goal against Accrington, it would be Chiesa. A stuttering start to his Anfield career has been exacerbated by frequent injuries and he’s still awaiting a first Reds strike.

AM: Harvey Elliott – An early-season injury has seen Elliott fall down the pecking order but he’s proved effective when called upon. He’s only made nine appearances this term, most of which have come from the bench.

LW: Luis Diaz – With the bulk of Liverpool’s exciting academy forwards out on loan, Diaz may be tasked with starting against Accrington. He only played half-an-hour midweek and could get longer on Saturday.

ST: Darwin Nunez – Similarly to Chiesa, misfiring Liverpool striker Nunez desperately needs a positive display. The Uruguayan has just four goals and three assists in 25 appearances this term and continues to struggle for consistency.

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