Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool. The FA Cup Third Round.
Home Park.
Wednesday 18 January 2017 18:52, UK
Loris Karius is set to return in goal in place of Simon Mignolet for Liverpool's FA Cup third-round replay at Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday.
Having deputised for Mignolet in the initial third-round tie at Anfield, which finished goalless, and subsequent EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Southampton, Karius was named among the substitutes for Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Manchester United.
But Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is poised to recall Karius for the trip to Home Park, where the Merseysiders try to avoid a cup upset to their Sky Bet League Two opponents who are 66 places below them in the English football pyramid.
The Pilgrims are expected to pocket more than £1m in revenue from their glamour replay against the seven-time FA Cup winners.
With a home, televised fourth-round tie against Wolves the prize for the victor, things could prove even more lucrative for Derek Adams' side.
Team news
Plymouth will be without former Scotland striker David Goodwillie as the club considers a court judgement on the player.
Defender Nathaniel Clyne (rib) and midfielder Lucas (knee) are making good progress but the game at Home Park will probably come too soon.
Joel Matip has been left out of Liverpool's squad as they continue to wait for clarification from FIFA over his eligibility to play.
Defender Nathaniel Clyne (rib) and midfielder Lucas (knee) are making good progress but the game will probably come too soon.
Opta stats
This will be Plymouth’s 11th FA Cup replay against a top-flight side, while they are yet to win any of them (D2 L8).
Liverpool have not lost any of their last 19 FA Cup games against teams from the fourth tier or lower (W15 D4).
Plymouth faced 28 shots at Anfield, while taking just four of their own.
The Reds have progressed from three of their last four FA Cup third round replays, losing only against Reading in January 2010 (1-2).
Charlie Nicholas prediction
I honestly do think Plymouth can cause an upset here. They were in good form at the weekend, putting four past a Stevenage side which have been fairly handy on the road this season.
I think Klopp will make loads of changes again to his tired-looking side. Liverpool are in need of a rest and I think he’ll prioritise the EFL Cup and play a similar side to the one which failed to get the job done at home.
Charlie predicts: 2-1 (28/1 with Sky Bet)
