Liverpool’s search for their first FA Cup trophy since 2006 begins on Sunday as they welcome Plymouth Argyle to Anfield.
The Reds are in good form of late, going unbeaten in their last six games with four wins and two draws. After stuttering performances against Bournemouth and West Ham, Jürgen Klopp’s side got things back on track with four successive wins to keep the pressure on Chelsea. Within that run was a huge 1-0 victory over Manchester City on New Years Eve.
However, in their last game the Reds found their momentum halted once more, this time against Sunderland. The relegation battlers twice came from behind with two goals from the spot to take a point at the Stadium of Light. The result saw Liverpool miss a key chance to close the gap on Chelsea, but with the league leaders also stumbling they somewhat got away with their short comings.
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Despite emphasis being very much on the Premier League campaign, Klopp will be desperate for a strong FA Cup run. His tendency to field strong sides in the competition illustrate his feelings towards the cup, with the German looking for his first piece of silverware at the club after coming so close on two occasions last season.
The Reds have advanced from the third round on their last five attempts, with the defeat to Manchester United in 2010/11 the last time they failed to do so. At Anfield, they have yet to concede a goal since March 2012 against Stoke City. Furthermore, Liverpool have never lost an FA Cup tie against a team in the fourth division of English football.
Plymouth currently lie in second place in League Two, with their quest to return to League One going as planned so far. They head to Anfield in good form, having gone unbeaten for six games in December during which time they kept five clean sheets. Plymouth have a well regimented back four and so Liverpool’s youngsters will have to show some decent quality in the final third to break through.
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The Pilgrims have been eliminated in each of their last 11 FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition, with their most recent win coming against West Brom in 1983/84.
The last meeting between the two sides was 55 years ago in April 1962. Liverpool were on the right end of a 3-2 score line, completing a league double over Plymouth having won 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the season.
Team News
Liverpool are set to field a heavily rotated side on Sunday. Joe Gomez is largely expected to start in the heart of defence alongside Lucas Leiva, while Alberto Moreno and Trent Alexander Arnold could also get the nod.
Divock Origi will hope to start after losing his place in the side for the last two games. The Belgian has been in good form of late and could be one of the more experienced heads within the team. Loris Karius is also set to start and the German will be hoping to force his way back into the starting lineup.
Plymouth are expected to involve Paul Arnold Garita despite him suffering with a knee injury in recent weeks. Nauris Bulvitis has also recovered from injury and will be in contention.
Prediction
Despite a weakened lineup, Liverpool will be red hot favourites to progress to the next round of the cup, and based on current form you can’t see Plymouth getting anything from the game.
The youngsters will want to make the most of their chance and I expect the Reds to notch in a few goals on Sunday.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 3-0 Plymouth
Written by Leanne P
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