Liverpool vs Accrington Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming (11 January 2025): FA Cup

by · Inside Sport India

Catch all the important information you need to have before the FA Cup Liverpool vs Accrington match.

Liverpool kicks off their 2024/25 FA Cup journey on Saturday as they host Accrington Stanley at Anfield in the third round. The Reds, with eight FA Cup titles to their name, enter as overwhelming favorites.

Despite a recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United and a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, Liverpool remains a formidable force. Coach Arne Slot might rotate his squad, but their attacking depth should be more than enough to shine. Accrington Stanley, currently sitting 19th in League Two, arrive at Anfield off the back of two consecutive wins. However, their defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed against a high-caliber opponent like Liverpool.

Prediction: Liverpool to dominate with multiple early goals.

Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals in the first half at odds of 3.00.

Liverpool vs Accrington Prediction & Betting Tip

Given Liverpool’s firepower and Accrington’s habit of conceding late goals, our recommended bet is Over 2.5 goals in the first half. Liverpool’s attacking depth and Accrington’s defensive struggles point to a fast-paced start that could see multiple early goals.

Betting TipOdds
Over 2.5 Goals (1st Half)3.00

Liverpool is known for quick starts, and Accrington’s defense may struggle to keep up. Historical precedent suggests Liverpool often scores early in FA Cup matches, making this a solid bet.

Liverpool vs Accrington Odds

As expected, Liverpool is the overwhelming favorite. Bookmakers anticipate a comfortable win for the Reds, with the odds heavily skewed in their favor.

BetOdds
Liverpool1.03
Draw19.15
Accrington57.86

Given the long odds for an Accrington win or even a draw, riskier bets could yield high returns. However, the most likely outcome remains a Liverpool victory.

Liverpool Team Analysis

Recent Form: LDWWW

Liverpool’s recent form highlights their attacking strength, despite a 1-0 loss to Tottenham. They’ve averaged 3.2 goals per game across their last five fixtures, showing their ability to break down defenses.

FixtureResult
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool1-0 (Loss)
Liverpool vs Manchester United2-2 (Draw)
West Ham vs Liverpool0-5 (Win)
Liverpool vs Leicester City3-1 (Win)
Tottenham vs Liverpool3-6 (Win)

Despite a few defensive concerns, Liverpool looks strong, with Rhys Williams leading the attack. Their impressive FA Cup record at home will also give them an edge.

Key Players

Rhys Williams, Liverpool’s top scorer with one goal this season, will be looking to add to his tally. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota are other key players to watch, with their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.

Expected Lineup:

  • Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
  • Defenders: Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Konstantinos Tsimikas
  • Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones
  • Attackers: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota

Liverpool’s mix of experienced and younger players creates a well-balanced squad, capable of adapting to different game situations.

Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries might force Liverpool to dig deeper into their squad.

PlayerInjuryExpected Return
Joel MatipCruciate ligament injuryOut for the season
Joe GomezHamstring injuryEarly February 2025
Tyler MortonAnkle injuryDoubtful
Ibrahima KonatéKnee injuryDoubtful
Conor BradleyHamstring injuryDoubtful
Dominik SzoboszlaiIllnessDoubtful

Coach Arne Slot may need to rely on younger players and the bench, especially with several defensive injuries.

Liverpool Tactics & Formation

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Defender: Virgil van Dijk
  • Midfield Trio: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones
  • Frontline: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota

Liverpool’s attacking style is likely to overwhelm Accrington early. With van Dijk anchoring the defense and Salah leading the charge, expect a high line and aggressive pressing from the start.

Accrington Team Analysis

Recent Form: WWLLD

Accrington’s form has been inconsistent. They’ve shown resilience by scoring in 83% of their matches this season but struggle to keep clean sheets.

FixtureResult
Colchester United vs Accrington0-2 (Win)
Accrington vs Grimsby Town3-2 (Win)
Carlisle United vs Accrington2-1 (Loss)
Accrington vs Salford City0-2 (Loss)
Fleetwood Town vs Accrington1-1 (Draw)

Key Players

Tyler Walton, Accrington’s top scorer with three goals, will be key to their attack. Shaun Whalley, known for his creativity, will also be crucial in linking midfield to attack.

Expected Lineup:

  • Goalkeeper: William Crellin
  • Defenders: Donald Love, Farrend Rawson, Zach Awe, Ben Woods
  • Midfielders: Shaun Whalley, Dan Martin, Ashley Hunter, Nelson Khumbeni, Josh Woods
  • Attacker: Tyler Walton

Accrington will need to rely on a strong defensive performance to withstand Liverpool’s pressure.

Suspensions & Injuries

Accrington comes into this match with a fully fit squad, a significant advantage for them.

PlayerInjury/SuspensionExpected Return
NoneN/AN/A

Tactics & Formation

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Key Forward: Tyler Walton
  • Midfield Line: Shaun Whalley, Dan Martin, Ashley Hunter
  • Defensive Setup: Donald Love and Farrend Rawson in the backline

Accrington’s strategy will likely focus on defensive solidity and counterattacks. However, they have a tendency to concede late goals, which could hurt their chances.

Liverpool vs Accrington Head-to-Head

There’s no previous record of these two teams playing each other, making this a fresh encounter. The FA Cup clash at Anfield will add a new chapter to both clubs’ histories.

Venue & Weather

The match will take place at Anfield, Liverpool’s iconic home ground with a capacity of 53,394. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, it’s a tough place for visiting teams.

Weather Forecast:

  • Temperature: 4°C
  • Conditions: Broken clouds
  • Humidity: 59%
  • Wind Speed: 2.88 m/s

Liverpool’s familiarity with these conditions could give them a slight edge, while Accrington will need to adapt quickly to the cold weather and fast-paced game.

Liverpool vs Accrington Live Streaming: FA Cup in India

Fans can watch the FA Cup Liverpool vs Accrington live action on Sony Sports Network. Live streaming will be on the Sony Liv app or website. The match kickstarts at 5:45 PM IST on January 11.