Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The scoreline does not reflect the performance of the visitors who kept Liverpool at bay for almost 30 minutes in the first half before a slick counter-attacking move set up Diogo Jota for a tap-in.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then added a second goal just before the break with a superb strike from the right side of the box that sailed over Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin and landed in the far top corner.
From there the result was guaranteed but Stanley had their moments. Josh Woods struck the crossbar and Donald Love headed over the top.
In the closing stages, Liverpool substitutes Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa got on the scoresheet with the latter netting his first goal for the Reds.
Relive the action from Anfield below:
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley LIVE
- Liverpool defeat Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup
- 90’ GOAL! Chiesa comes off the bench to score (LIV 4-0 ACC)
- 76’ GOAL! Danns slots home after Chiesa’s effort is saved (LIV 3-0 ACC)
- 56’ CROSSBAR! Josh Woods strikes a decent effort hat hits the bar (LIV 2-0 ACC)
- 45’ GOAL! Alexander-Arnold nets a scorcher (LIV 2-0 ACC
- 41’ CLOSE! Morton’s effort from range sails over the top (LIV 1-0 ACC)
- 29’ GOAL! Jota taps-in for the opener (LIV 1-0 ACC)
- 13’ CHANCE! Alexander-Arnold’s shot is stopped by Crellin (LIV 0-0 ACC)
Liverpool FC 4 - 0 Accrington Stanley FC
Trent Alexander-Arnold serenades Anfield with performance of artistry and class
15:52 , Mike JonesTrent Alexander-Arnold’s future is likelier to involve Real Madrid than Accrington Stanley. The Bernabeu may prove his new home but he might forever remain a stranger to the Wham Stadium. Accrington could not quite emulate Carlo Ancelotti’s team, losing 4-0 at Anfield, where the Champions League holders went down 2-0, but they got a glimpse of the class that prompted Real to make an approach for Alexander-Arnold last month.
A shot from 20 yards was whipped, bent, measured and caressed, designed to nestle in the top corner of the net. “I could talk for hours about that,” said Arne Slot, “Unbelievable.” And perhaps cruel for Accrington’s manager, John Doolan, who coached Alexander-Arnold when he was six or seven and surprised when the right-back remembered and approached him after the final whistle. “He is such a such a wonderful and humble guy,” he said. “To do that shows the class he has.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold serenades Anfield with performance of artistry and class
Slot on Federico Chiesa’s first goal for Liverpool:
14:52 , Mike Jones“It is definitely a good first step, but as much as I liked the way Accrington Stanley played we have to take into consideration that we’re talking about League Two level.
“It is good to have him back on the pitch. He was a threat, but let’s not get carried away.”
Slot on Ngumoha and Alexander-Arnold:
14:48 , Mike Jones“He did well [Rio Ngumoha]. There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He is good in one-v-one situations.
“He showed a bit more in the first half than in the second half. It is nice to get your debut and get the win. It is a special day for him.
“Trent didn’t have his best game against Manchester United, but for the rest of the season he has been so good for us - I liked his performance today.
“Our fans have always given him a lot of support. He didn’t play well once, but fans reacted to that. If Trent just plays what we expect from him, then he gets support.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to ITV:
14:44 , Mike Jones“Credit to them, I think they showed their style of play, which is a big compliment.
“They played the same style as they always play. In the end, of course, the difference in quality makes a big difference for us, but compliments to them with how they showed up today.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold takes centre stage as Liverpool brush aside Accrington
14:41 , Mike JonesTrent Alexander-Arnold led from the front as Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over Accrington.
A week after one of the worst performances of his career against Manchester United, the England international, captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, put in a commanding display which was topped with the important second goal.
While the level of opposition had to be taken into account – League Two Stanley are 86 places lower than the Premier League leaders – Alexander-Arnold was determined to ensure there was no upset.
Trent Alexander-Arnold takes centre stage as Liverpool brush aside Accrington
FA Cup results
14:39 , Mike JonesHere are the results from the earlier matches in the FA Cup today:
Birmingham City 2-1 Lincoln City
Bristol City 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
Liverpool forward Jayden Danns, speaking to ITV:
14:35 , Mike Jones“I’m delighted to get my goal. I’ve been out for a while, five months. First-team football is a different intensity to any other football.
“I made an impact last season, I am young and there’s a lot more to do and a lot more I can do.
“They offered a lot and first team football is tough and they’re big lads, but it was a good challenge and I think I did well - hopefully more to come.
“The manager put faith in me today and I am grateful for it.”
Accrington’s Shaun Whalley on the game:
14:27 , Mike Jones“I don’t think we were ourselves in the first half, in the second half we performed a lot better.
“We could have got back into it, Josh hitting the bar, Donald Love should have scored, shouldn’t he, I wanted the assist. But it wasn’t to be.
“It was just an incredible moment for us all, I want it to happen again now!”
Josh Woods on getting to play at Anfield:
14:23 , Mike Jones“Honestly it was surreal. I was just trying to sum up all the emotions, trying to enjoy it and stay relaxed. The first half I was really nervous, I came out for the second half relaxed. They’re world-class players and on the counter they’re difficult to stop.
”Maybe in another lifetime [his shot would have gone in] I just remember hitting it and thinking please, please, please, then I fell over and never saw it.
“It was just amazing to be out here and I enjoyed every minute!”
FT Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
14:20 , Mike JonesThe draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup will take place tomorrow following the match between Arsenal and Manchester United.
Liverpool are safely through but who will they face?
‘Comfortable win for Liverpool'
14:11 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Comfortable for Liverpool in the end.
“Federico Chiesa's quest for his first Liverpool goal had felt increasingly urgent and, when he hit the post in the 87th minute, unsuccessful.
“But he got what he wanted with a 25-ayrd strike. Liverpool get a place in the fourth round and Accrington get about half a million pounds from a day when they have acquitted themselves well.”
Full-time! Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
14:09 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The scoreline does not reflect the performance of the visitors who kept Liverpool at bay for almost 30 minutes in the first half before a slick counter-attacking move set up Diogo Jota for a tap-in.
Trent Alexander-Arnold then added a second goal just before the break with a superb strike from the right side of the box that sailed over Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin and landed in the far top corner.
From there the result was guaranteed but Stanley had their moments. Josh Woods struck the crossbar and Donald Love headed over the top.
In the closing stages, Liverpool substitutes Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa got on the scoresheet with the latter netting his first goal for the Reds.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley (Federico Chiesa, 90’)
14:03 , Mike JonesChiesa is smiling now!
The winger receives the ball on the inside right part of the pitch and runs down the channel. He gets close to the box and drills a shot across goal.
The effort is struck well, Crellin is beaten and the ball bounces into the back of the net off the inside of the post.
Liverpool 3-0 Accrington Stanley
14:00 , Mike Jones86 mins: Chiesa hits the post!
The Italian has had a good impact since his introduction and receives the ball on the right side of the pitch. He drills a low effort at the near post and strikes the upright.
Liverpool 3-0 Accrington Stanley
13:57 , Mike Jones83 mins: The Liverpool fans have had a good time this afternoon. They’re singing and chanting away. It was always going to be a victory for the Red, unless Stanley could pull off a miracle, but they’ve been treated to a decent and engaging encounter with the League Two side.
Liverpool 3-0 Accrington Stanley
13:54 , Mike Jones80 mins: Shaun Whalley thinks about shooting from range and goes for it. It wasn’t the best option and his effort is closed down easily enough.
Accrington are desperate for a goal today.
‘Danns has an eye of goal'
13:52 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Jayden Danns and James McConnell are on now, two of the rookies who helped Jurgen Klopp won the Carabao Cup last season. That they were only substitutes now is an illustration of the strength in depth Liverpool have.
“Arne Slot may have denied other youngsters a chance of a rare outing by have an insurance policy or three on the bench, in Andy Robertson, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister. Now it looks like he may not need to call on any of them.
“Danns showed his eye for goal in last season's FA Cup, with a double against Southampton. Now he has struck on his first appearance of this season, finishing a move he started, getting a goal a mere four minutes after his introduction.
“It is a habit that suggests he could prove a useful substitute in his Liverpool career.”
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Accrington Stanley (Jayden Danns, 76’)
13:50 , Mike JonesIgnore me.
This is a great move. Liverpool win the ball inside Accrington’s half with Jayden Danns feeding it up to Federico Chiesa. Chiesa dribbles into the box and shoots but Billy Crellin makes another fine save.
The ball rebounds into the box and Danns is the first to react by slotting it home.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:48 , Mike Jones75 mins: 15 minutes to play at Anfield and the tempo has been zapped from the game. Liverpool are controlling possession as they have done for most of the match but there’s not a massive amount of urgency to get further up the pitch.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:45 , Mike Jones72 mins: Accrington have been good value today. In this second half in particular they’re pushing for a goal of their own. Rio Ngumohu is replaced for Liverpool now and Jayden Danns comes on to play out the rest of the game.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:41 , Mike Jones69 mins: Chiesa drops into the middle of the pitch and receives the ball as Liverpoo, look to counter-attack. He sends it up to Darwin Nunez who carries the ball into the box before having his shot blocked and deflected behind by Farrend Rawson.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:40 , Mike Jones66 mins: Another corner for Accrington creates another moment. This time the set piece is whipped into the box but gets headed out to Henderson.
He’s encouraged to shoot but miscues the strke and the ball is easily dealt with.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:38 , Mike Jones63 mins: Whalley threads a gap and finds Henderson in the box. He looks to get past the Liverpool defence but the ball is sent out for a corner.
The set piece is take short and given to Whalley. He floats a cross into the box where Don Love leaps past everyone else and nods an effort over the top!
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:33 , Mike Jones60 mins: More changes from Arne Slot. Tyler Morton and Trent Alexander-Arnold are replaced with James McConnell and Conor Bradley for the final 30 minutes.
Harvey Elliott is on his feet and will play on.
‘Woods is on a quest'
13:32 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“The Liverpool fan Josh Woods is on a quest for a goal at Anfield.
“He has got close, too, striking the bar with a rising shot. Accrington have had a strong Liverpudlian influence over the years, particularly under former manager John Coleman.
“Their team usually contains a contingent of Merseysiders. The goalkeeper beaten by Jota and Alexander-Arnold was born in Blackpool but Billy Crellin is on loan from Everton.”
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:32 , Mike Jones59 mins: Alex Henderson lunges into a tackle in the middle of the pitch and clatters into Harvey Elliott. The Liverpool midfielder looks in real pain as the medical team come on to treat him.
It’s unclear if he’ll continue at the minute.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:30 , Mike Jones56 mins: Crossbar! A corner ball is played short by Shaun Whalley who gives it to Josh Woods. The two then play a one-two to get Woods into the box and he shoots.
The effort is good and forces Caoimhin Kelleher to leap for the ball, instead it strikes the woodwork and deflects out of play.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:27 , Mike Jones53 mins: There’s been a couple of bright moments for Accrington at the start of this half as the visitors have twice got themselves into the box with Liverpool flapping slightly at the back.
Neither opportunity has resulted in a good effort at goal but these are bright signs for the League Two side.
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:22 , Mike Jones50 mins: Darwin Nunez gets his ankle trodden on and needs a bit of treatment. Accrington Stanley boss John Doolan made a couple of changes at half-time with Ashley Hunter and Nelson Khumbeni replaced with Liam Coyle and Alex Henderson.
Is there a way back into this game for the visitors?
Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:20 , Mike Jones48 mins: Chiesa is on for Dominik Szoboszlai and immediately gets in on the action. Darwin Nunez collects a fine pass into the box and weaves his way into space. Nunez shoots but Billy Crellin stands tall and makes the save.
The rebound comes to Chiesa who checks to the right and fizzes a shot into the side netting.
Second half! Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:18 , Mike JonesArne Slot has made a change at the break with Federico Chiesa coming on for the Reds. Liverpool get the ball rolling again for the second half.
HT Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:15 , Mike JonesAs expected Liverpool have dominated possession. They’ve had 85% over that first half with 12 shots and four on target. In comparison Accrington Stanley have only managed one effort.
It’s been tough work for the League Two side who will just want to limit the damage for the rest of the game.
HT Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:12 , Mike JonesRobbie Fowler calls Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal ‘effortless’ on ITV punditry duty. He’s not wrong, take a look at this one:
OH, THAT IS SPECIAL! 🤩
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 11, 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold with an absolute peach! #ITVFootball | #FACup | #LFC pic.twitter.com/HqZW8esS9y
HT Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:08 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley
13:03 , Mike JonesLiverpool in complete control as the whistle goes to end the first half. Accrington have played well but Liverpool’s quality was on display for both goals.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Accrington Stanley (Trent Alexander-Arnold, 45’)
13:02 , Mike JonesThat is unreal!
Ryo Ngumoha dances into the box from the left but can’t go anywhere. He gives it to Tyler Morton who squares the ball to Domini Szoboszlai.
The midfielder the rolls the ball across to Trent Alexander-Arnold to takes a touch to laces a shot across goal. It’s aerial, loops over the goalkeeper and lands in the far top corner.
What a strike.
Liverpool 1-0 Accrington Stanley
12:56 , Mike Jones41 mins: Wow!
Tyler Morton taks advantage of Accrington Stanley getting pinned on the ball in midfield. Kostas Tsimikas turns over possession and pokes it to Morton.
He spins and goes for goal from a long way out. The effort is sweet though and the ball only just rises above the target. That would have been some goal if it had enough dip.
Liverpool 1-0 Accrington Stanley
12:53 , Mike Jones39 mins: Chance! Tyler Morton sends the ball forward and finds Darwin Nunez who sweeps it across to Harvey Elliott. Elliott is unmarked and cuts onto his left foot to take a shot at goal.
He strikes it well but can’t beat Billy Crellin.
Liverpool 1-0 Accrington Stanley
12:52 , Mike Jones36 mins: Despite the scoreline I think Accrington will be relatively pleased. The goal came from a counter-attack and Liverpool, four league above their opponents, have more pace to deal with. Acrrington couldn’t match them.
From open play, the visitors have been solid and Billy Crellin is having a decent time between the sticks.
Liverpool 1-0 Accrington Stanley
12:50 , Mike Jones33 mins: Alexander-Arnold sends another piercing pass up the pitch and tries to feed Jota in between the centre-backs. The forward gets into a tangle with Zach Awe and the ball skips through to the goalkeeper.
‘Accrington’s resistance is broken'
12:49 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“Accrington's resistance was broken with a goal that showed how devastating the top teams can be.
“Liverpool went from box to box with two passes, scoring courtesy of the third, when Darwin Nunez picked out Diogo Jota.
“Accrington may have paid a penalty for committing too many men forward and leaving too few back. Jota punished them.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Accrington Stanley (Diogo Jota, 29’)
12:46 , Mike JonesA classic move from Liverpool!
Accrington Stanley win a set piece high up the pitch that Ben Woods swings into the box. Liverpool deal with it and transition expertly into the counter attack.
Trent Alexander-Arnold feeds the through ball up to Darwin Nunez who carries it into the box and squares the ball to Diogo Jota for a simple tap-in.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:43 , Mike Jones28 mins: Another corner for Liverpool is swept into the box but again gets dealt with by the visitors. A long goal kick looks to get Accrington forward on the right wing but Liverpool recover possession and come at their opponents again.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:42 , Mike Jones25 mins: Lots of possession for Liverpool but no penetration. It’s been a struggle to break down this Accrington defence and you feel the visitors are concentrating quick intensely to keep them out.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:38 , Mike Jones21 mins: Liverpool’s main threat has come down the left side. The Reds haven’t been as fluid as usual but that is understandable given the changes made by Arne Slot.
Accrington have been composed and haven’t pressed too high which would open space between their lines.
‘So far, so good for Accrington'
12:35 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“So far, so good for Accrington, aided by a couple of misses from Darwin Nunez.
“The League Two team have had the bravery to press Liverpool at tines in the final third. They have had a couple of corners, with their attacks often involving the captain Shaun Whalley, a Merseyside-born Liverpool fan.
“It seems as though they are trying to play against stand-in centre-back Wataru Endo more than Jarell Quansah, who is bigger and quicker.”
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:35 , Mike Jones18 mins: Lovely intervention from Zach Awe who leaps in front of a pass from Alexander-Arnold that would have sent Jota in on goal.
Accrington come up the pitch and give the ball to Nelson Khumbeni. He whips a forward pass over to the left wing where Shaun Whalley collects the ball and fizzes a cross into the box. Tyler Walton comes sprinting in and the visitors win themselves a corner.
Nice play.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:31 , Mike Jones15 mins: Accrington have started well and manage to get up the pitch on the left. A cross comes over to the far post where Josh Woods nods it back into the danger zone. None of his teammates can get to the ball and Liverpool clear their lines.
A nice start for Stanley.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:29 , Mike Jones13 mins: Save!
Billy Crellin has his first moment in the match after Kostas Tsimikas plays the ball across the edge of the penalty area from the left. Szoboszlai leaps over the ball and lets it run to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back runs onto a first time effort and strikes a low shot at goal only for Crellin to stick out a leg and save it. The ball rebounds to Darwin Nunez who then pumps a second attempt over the crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:27 , Mike Jones12 mins: Oh hello!
It doesn’t result in much but Dominik Szoboszlai flicks a first time pass over the top of the Stanley defence and plays Diogo Jota in behind.
The forward is then crowded out and is forced to play back.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:25 , Mike Jones10 mins: Accrington Stanley haven’t been unafraid to keep themselves up the pitch.
As the players settle into the rhythm of the game that could come back to haunt them against the pace and skill of the Reds but for now it’s giving the visitors an outlet from their constant defending.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:23 , Mike Jones7 mins: Close! Kostas Tsimikas whips a cross into the box from the left side of the pitch and finds a stretching and lunging Harvey Elliott.
The midfielder gets to the ball and dinks it back into the six-yard area where Darwin Nunez nods the ball over the top of the crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:21 , Mike Jones6 mins: Alexander-Arnold floats a pass over the top and looks to slip in Dominik Szoboszlai. The midfielder makes a run from deep but the ball drops too far away from him and is scooped up by Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin.
Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:19 , Mike Jones3 mins: Liverpool bring the ball down the left side but are forced backwards and look to play out from defence. Wataru Endo finds Trent Alexander-Arnold who sends it up to Diogo Jota.
The ball comes flying across the box and is scooped up by Ryo Ngumoha. The teenager looks to shuffle to the right to get off a shot but is closed down quickly.
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Accrington Stanley
12:17 , Mike JonesThe whistle goes and Accrington Stanley get the ball rolling at Anfield. They look to work it out to the right wing but send the ball out of play for a throw in.
We’re underway.
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley
12:10 , Mike JonesThe players are ready.
The teams wait to step out onto the pitch at Anfield ahead of this special third round fixture in the FA Cup. Stanley are four leagues below the Premier League leaders and will need a miracle to get through this one today.
Let’s find out how things go. Kick off is up next.
Liverpool’s third round success
12:05 , Mike JonesLiverpool are unbeaten in their last eight FA Cup ties at home since West Bromwich Albion won at Anfield in 2018.
In the last 13 seasons, the Reds have lost only once in the third round, going down to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in 2019.
Not since 2007 have they lost at home in round three, when Arsenal won 3-1 at Anfield.
Accrington on the road
12:00 , Mike JonesAway from home this season Accrington have won four of their 15 matches in all competitions, the most recent of those coming last weekend at Colchester United.
Stanley have failed to score in only one of their last 13 fixtures in league and cup.
Liverpool versus lower league opponents
11:55 , Mike JonesThis will be only the second time since 2017 that the Reds have faced opposition from outside the Premier League at the third-round stage. On the other occasion, they beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in 2022.
The last club from outside the top two divisions to defeat Liverpool in this competition were Oldham Athletic (3-2 at Boundary Park in 2013).
John Doolan eyes Trent Alexander-Arnold reunion – and huge FA Cup upset
11:50 , Mike JonesAccrington manager John Doolan is hopeful of a reunion with Trent Alexander-Arnold this weekend before attempting to mastermind a seismic FA Cup shock at former employers Liverpool.
Doolan was an academy coach at Anfield when he first spotted the talent of a six-year-old Alexander-Arnold, whose future at Liverpool has been the subject of intense speculation in the last fortnight.
While he accepts Alexander-Arnold may have no recollection of him after nearly 20 years, Doolan is optimistic of catching up with the England full-back and his mother Diane when Accrington travel to Merseyside to take on the Premier League leaders on Saturday.
John Doolan eyes Trent Alexander-Arnold reunion – and huge FA Cup upset
Slot on facing League Two opponents
11:45 , Mike JonesAccrington Stanley sit 19th in League Two but have a special draw away at Anfield for today’s FA Cup clash.
Arne Slot was asked what it is like to face a team from a lower league and he replied: “I think every team that plays against us, it’s a special occasion for every team we face – but especially for a lower-league team.
“They will be all up for it, they’ve lived towards this game for many weeks probably, nine out of 10 times all players are fit and there’s no-one suspended.
“The challenge is always to bring the best out of ourselves. Everybody could understand that if you go to a Champions League final, everybody is completely hyped up and ready – and that is for them tomorrow, it is going to feel like a Champions League final.
“We have to be aware of that. Nine out of 10 times, the first 25 minutes or half hour is the most difficult part of the game because they will still be very intense.
“It is up to us to be ready for them wanting to play the best game of their lives – and that is what we have to do as well.”
Accrington’s secret weapon?
11:40 , Mike JonesTyler Walton has scored in both of Accrington Stanley’s FA Cup ties so far this season, netting three goals in total. No player has ever scored in each of the first three rounds of the competition in a single campaign for the club.
A good omen for Accrington?
11:35 , Mike JonesAccrington Stanley have progressed from each of their last four FA Cup third round ties, with these coming in 2009-10, 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2022-23.
Liverpool don’t need extra motivation says Van Dijk
11:30 , Mike Jones“The frustration was purely on the pitch. After the game you can’t do anything about it any more and unfortunately for us, it ended up with him scoring the winner,” Virgil van Dijk said after Tottenham defeated the Reds 1-0 in the Carabao Cup druing the week.
“It doesn’t work like that. We don’t need that motivation. We know we will be 1-0 down when the game is played at Anfield so we have to fight.
“We have to do it all together, with our fans and the players. Obviously, hopefully everyone is fit and let’s see if we can do it. It will be tough because they are a very good team in my opinion, with a very good manager but we’re going to go for it.
“We’re in a semi-final [Carabao Cup], we know how much they would like to win it but I know for a fact we would love to win it again and maybe even more.”
Liverpool will not use Spurs’ contentious winner as motivation
11:25 , Mike JonesVirgil van Dijk insisted Liverpool would not use Lucas Bergvall’s contentious late winner for Tottenham as motivation ahead of next month’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Liverpool tasted defeat under Arne Slot for the first time since September on Wednesday after Bergvall fired home in the 86th minute to give Spurs a 1-0 victory, moments after he avoided a second yellow card for a late tackle on Kostas Tsimikas.
Liverpool will not use Spurs’ contentious winner as motivation – Virgil van Dijk
Surprise selections from Slot
11:22 , Richard Jolly at Anfield“A surprise inclusion, in Trent Alexander-Arnold, and a surprise exclusion, in Federico Chiesa.
“If the vice-captain was not expected to start against Accrington, the summer signing definitely was. The fact Chiesa is only on the bench suggests that he is not fully fit; the problem for Liverpool is that he rarely has been since his summer arrival from Juventus.
“But there could be one winger worth watching, in 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a summer signing from Chelsea and who becomes Liverpool's youngest player in the FA Cup.”
Liverpool likely to progress
11:20 , Mike JonesLiverpool have only been knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage once in the last 13 campaigns, losing 2-1 at Wolves in 2018-19.
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley line-ups
11:16 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Endo, Quansah, Tsimikas; Morton, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Jota, Nunez, Ngumoha
Team news is in ✊🔴 #LIVACC
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025
Accrington Stanley XI: Crellin; Love, Rawson, Awe, B, Woods; Martin, Khumbeni; J. Woods, Hunter, Whalley; Walton
👥 Here is your unchanged #asfc starting XI for this afternoon’s @EmiratesFACup third round tie against @LFC! pic.twitter.com/I0qhMVblbj
— Accrington Stanley (@ASFCofficial) January 11, 2025
Accrington versus Premier League opponents
11:13 , Mike JonesAccrington Stanley have lost all three of their FA Cup games against Premier League opponents, with each of these coming in the fourth round of the competition.
Those results were: 1-3 vs Fulham (2010), 0-1 vs Middlesbrough (2017) and 1-3 vs Leeds (2023).
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley
11:10 , Mike JonesThis is the first meeting between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley in all competitions, though the Reds did beat the original Accrington Stanley side 2-0 in the 1955-56 FA Cup third round.
The ‘special’ sign Liverpool can go far in unthinkable quest for quadruple
10:55 , Mike JonesArne Slot did not use the word, though Jurgen Klopp became quite familiar with it. In two of the German’s last three campaigns, Liverpool challenged for the quadruple.
Last season, their bid for glory on four fronts lasted until the end of March, until they were knocked out of the FA Cup after an epic comeback from bitter rivals Manchester United.
Two years earlier, they came closer than anyone arguably ever has, reaching the penultimate game of the campaign with a chance of four trophies. They ended 2021-22, however, without the two biggest prizes: runners-up in the Premier League, they became beaten finalists in the Champions League.
The ‘special’ sign Liverpool can go far in unthinkable quest for quadruple
Slot on January transfers
10:50 , Mike JonesIt’s that time of year where Premier League managers get totally frustrated over the constant questions about possible incomings and outgoings.
Arne Slot is no different but perhaps has a calmer demeanour than most. He said: “What I make of that is it is January. I think I said it after the West Ham game that don’t disappoint me, please come up with all these clubs and all these players that are in the interest from us or the ones that don’t play a lot for us are going to go somewhere else.
“Yeah, that’s what’s happening now. Nine out of 10 times, 99 times out of 100 times in the end of the window, it’s been clear that almost all of these stories weren’t true.
“So, what can I comment about it? That the rumours keep going for it, but no comments from my side.”
John Doolan on what he expects at Anfield
10:45 , Mike JonesToday is a big day for Accrington Stanley with the League Two club getting the chance to play at Anfield. It will be a special experience for the players in the fourth tier and they’ll want to savour it.
Stanley manager John Doolan said: “I want them to enjoy the occasion and take everything in. These are the things you have to remember when you go there. It might never, ever happen again for these lads. It might never, ever happen again for the club.
“But the thing about it is that you do have to go and enjoy it, but we want to go there and give a good account of ourselves as a team, as individuals, as staff, as a club and as supporters. We want to do that and we want to do it right.
“Ultimately, we’re a professional club, so we want to try to get ourselves in the next round. We know how big the task is. They might have an off day, we might have an unbelievable day and Lady Luck is with us. You just never know. It’s the magic of the cup.”
Accrington squad fully fit
10:40 , Mike Jones“Everyone is fit, which is amazing. So, happy days!” said Accrington Stanley manager John Doolan in his pre-match press conference.
On choosing his starting XI for the match, he added: “I want to play! It’s difficult, but at the end of the day me and Ged Brannan [assistant manager] will pick a team and it can’t be picked on sentiment.
“It has got to be picked on lads training well and lads when they get the shirt, keeping the shirt and doing the job. But that’s a bridge we’ll have to cross.”
Slot provides update on Quansah and Szoboszlai
10:35 , Mike JonesArne Slot is expecting both Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai to be available for Liverpool for today’s FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley.
Speakign ahead of the match the Liverpool boss said: “Dom trained with the U21s yesterday.
“Jarell, like I said, he was a bit ill last week. As a result of that I had to take him off during the game, but I’m expecting him to be available.”
Arne Slot warns Liverpool of Accrington Stanley test – and reacts to famous milk advert
10:30 , Mike JonesLiverpool head coach Arne Slot is prepared for a revved-up Accrington Stanley when the teams meet in the third round of the FA Cup, at Anfield on Saturday.
Stanley sit 19th in English football’s fourth tier, while Slot’s Liverpool are top of the Premier League and Champions League.
“Every team against us is a special occasion for every team, but especially a lower league team, so they will be all up for it. They have lived this game for weeks probably... so we need to bring the best out of ourselves,” Slot told reporters on Friday (10 January).
Arne Slot warns Liverpool of Accrington test – and reacts to famous milk advert
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley prediction
10:25 , Mike JonesEven with a much-changed starting eleven, Arne Slot’s side should ease through this tie without a great deal of trouble.
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley.
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley predicted line-ups
10:20 , Mike JonesPredicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Tsimikas, Robertson; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Elliott, Diaz; Nunez.
Predicted Accrington XI: Crellin; Love, Rawson, Awe, Woods; Martin, Khumbeni; Woods, Hunter, Whalley; Walton.
Liverpool early team news
10:15 , Mike JonesFor Liverpool, Joe Gomez will likely remain sidelined for this match, meaning that Slot may need to get creative at centre-back if he wants to avoid playing both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas will likely keep their places in the side after the match against Spurs, while Wataru Endo should come into midfield as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister get a rest.
Expect a full change in the forward line too, with Mo Salah, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo likely dropping out for Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott in some combination. In addition, expect Darwin Nunez to start upfront, with Diogo Jota potentially moving to the wing.
How can I watch it?
10:10 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 11.30am GMT.
Subscribers will also be able to stream the match online on ITVX.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley?
10:05 , Mike JonesLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley will kick off at 12.15pm GMT on Saturday, 11 January at Anfield in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley
10:00 , Mike JonesPremier League leaders Liverpool host fourth-tier Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup this afternoon in the third round of the competition.
The Reds lost 1-0 to Spurs in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek, though they remain six points clear in the league with a game in hand over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, the story of Accrington Stanley’s season could hardly be more different to that of Liverpool, with the League Two side currently sitting 19th in the league and in danger of dropping out of the Football League this season.
The minnows will hardly hold any hopes of progressing, though their fans will certainly be dreaming of an upset that would be among the competition’s greatest ever.
Good morning!
09:46 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s FA Cup action.
Liverpool take on Accrington Stanley in the early kick off and hope to banish memories of their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham during the week.
Arne Slot is expected to make a host of changes as the Reds host the League Two side but the Premier League leaders should have more than enough quality to get through this game.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups, and updates throughout the day so stick with us as we build-up to kick off at 12.15pm.
