Liverpool vs Accrington Prediction 11 January 2025

🔊 What are the odds of Liverpool being eliminated from the FA Cup at such an early stage? Bookmakers rightly consider it extremely low, as in the 3rd round, Arne Slot's team will face the modest Accrington Stanley, representing the fourth tier. The match will take place at Anfield on January 11, and it is predicted that it will not be a difficult test for the hosts.

📊 Head-to-Head

The history of head-to-head encounters between the teams includes only one match, which took place back in 1956. On that occasion, the "Scousers" defeated Accrington with a score of 2:0. Interestingly, the match was also part of the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

🔴 Liverpool

The year 2025 did not start in the best way for the "Reds." In a Premier League match, they failed to defeat a crisis-hit Man United (2:2), and in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, they lost to an equally struggling Tottenham (0:1), suffering their second defeat of the season. It's not to say that the "Reds" were worse than the "Spurs" in terms of play, and they likely have some questions about the refereeing. Nevertheless, these results sharply contrast with Liverpool's dominant football from the first half of the season. Right now, Arne Slot faces some minor squad issues: Quansah, Gomez, and Szoboszlai are unavailable, but even considering this, the upcoming match should be won without much trouble.

⚪ Accrington

For several years, the team was a solid mid-table side in League One, but at the end of the 2022/23 season, they dropped to the second tier, where they have become stuck. Despite recent victories over Grimsby Town (3:2) and Colchester United (2:0), John Doolan's men are only five points away from the relegation zone. It's also important to note how difficult their previous FA Cup round was. Swindon Town, reduced to ten men by the end of the first half, scored two goals against William Crellin, and Accrington miraculously salvaged a draw in the 91st minute, eventually securing their place only in a penalty shootout (4:1).

⚽️ Goal Prediction

The odds suggest a low probability of both teams scoring, but we believe this is one of those cases where it's worth taking a risk by betting on Both Teams to Score (Yes). This is indicated by a couple of trends: Accrington has scored in 12 of their last 13 matches and in 11 consecutive away games. Liverpool's lineup will likely not be optimal, so the underdog might have a chance to score.

🚩 Corner Prediction

We anticipate that the upcoming match will not feature a high number of corners. Even considering their league level, Accrington has a rather modest average (4.3), and Liverpool has taken fewer than 8.5 corners in 10 of their last 11 games. Considering this, a good option seems to be a bet on under 10.5 corners total, which has been successful in Stanley's last 6 away games.

📝 Match Prediction

It's clear that with a packed schedule, Arne Slot must resort to rotation. We are likely to see many youth and reserve players on the field who have had minimal playing time during the season. But even considering this, it's too difficult to doubt the eventual success of the hosts, especially against one of League Two's underdogs. And with plenty of motivation after two consecutive setbacks, the "Reds" will have no shortage of determination. Therefore, as a key bet, we suggest Liverpool's individual total over 3.5 goals. We expect a 5:1 scoreline after the final whistle.