Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley

Anfield forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ FA Cup clash between Premier League leaders Liverpool and fourth-tier Accrington Stanley. 

Liverpool’s title-defending EFL Cup campaign took a massive hit earlier this week as they slumped to a late 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Accrington’s upcoming visit to Anfield is a presentable opportunity for Arne Slot’s side to regain momentum after sharing the spoils with Manchester United in a nerve-shredding 2-2 draw in their last home outing. That result extended Liverpool’s unbeaten home streak in all competitions to 12 games (W10, D2). Needless to say, the Reds netted 2+ goals on each occasion, testifying to their unparalleled scoring prowess. However, the runaway Premier League leaders failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three home games, conceding precisely two goals twice. 

Meanwhile, Accrington have enjoyed a flying start to 2025, beating Colchester and Grimsby via an aggregate score of 5-2 to steer five points away from the League Two bottom three. It’s a stark contrast to their woeful form toward the end of the last calendar year, which saw them go winless in eight consecutive matches across all competitions (D4, L4 – 90 minutes only). Yet, they squeezed past Swindon Town in the FA Cup round two on penalties during that sequence to set up arguably the most exciting fixture in the club’s recent history. However, Stanley’s cup run will likely end at this hurdle unless they punch above their weight and defy a dismal five-game away form (W1, D2, L2).