It's arguably the mismatch of the FA Cup third round as Premier League leaders Liverpool host Accrington Stanley, who are currently 19th in EFL League Two.
Liverpool have been as dominant as they come this season, but the first week of 2025 has not been as kind to the Reds as they've drawn and lost in their first two fixtures of the new year.
Meanwhile, Accrington have won their last two matches after ending 2024 on a five-game winless run, so they'll be hoping that their good fortune continues in the face of massive adversity at Anfield.
Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley: Head-to-head and recent statistics
- All-time meetings: 0
- Liverpool wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Manchester United wins: 0
This is the first meeting between Liverpool and the current iteration of Accrington Stanley.
Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley: Team news
Liverpool
- Injured: Gomez, Quansah, Szoboszlai
- Suspended: None
Accrington Stanley
- Injured: Aljofree, Coyle
- Suspended: None
Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley: What the managers are saying
Arne Slot, Liverpool
(via LiverpoolFC.com)
"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 [Saturday], 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."
John Doolan, Accrington Stanley
(via Yahoo!)
"I want everyone to enjoy the occasion. These are the things you have to remember when you go there – it might never, ever happen again for these players or for the club.
“You do have to go and enjoy it but we want to go there and give a good account of ourselves as a team. Ultimately we’re a professional club so we want to try and get ourselves in the next round of the hat.”
Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley: Prediction
While Liverpool have actually looked human in their last two games, the gulf in class here cannot be ignored. Even with a rotated side, the Reds should expect a heavy victory, which could also serve as a confidence boost before they return to Premier League action next week.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Accrington Stanley