Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle. The FA Cup Third Round.
Anfield.
Sunday 8 January 2017 13:53, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will rest the majority of his senior players for the FA Cup third-round visit of Sky Bet League Two club Plymouth Argyle on Sunday (kick-off 1.30pm).
Loris Karius gets the chance to restart his Liverpool career this weekend, after Klopp admitted he was forced to take the goalkeeper out his starting line-up because of the intense scrutiny he was under.
The 23-year-old summer signing replaced Simon Mignolet as first-choice in late September, but after 10 unconvincing Premier League matches, he was dropped after being criticised for mistakes in the 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth and 2-2 draw at home to West Ham.
"He trained outstandingly, which was good to see," said Klopp. "It is difficult to speak about these things in public because you make it a big story and that is part of the problem. But we cannot ignore the pressure you (media) make. We have to cope with it and deal with it and that is why we made the change.
"I am sure Loris will benefit from this step back or step aside. It was good for him. Simon has done an outstandingly good job since he has been playing again and Loris has forced him to train at the highest level because we have two really good goalkeepers."
Argyle beat Mansfield in the first round before eliminating Newport in round two to book their place at Anfield. The Pilgrims currently sit second in League Two.
Team news
Joe Gomez will play his first match for Klopp having been sidelined by a knee injury since October 2015.
Striker Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and defender Joel Matip (all ankle) and James Milner (calf) will miss the game with captain Jordan Henderson (heel) not expected back until next week's Premier League trip to Manchester United, while Sadio Mane is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
New Plymouth Argyle signing Nathan Blissett is cup-tied so will not be able to make his debut.
Loanees Craig Tanner and Paul-Arnold Garita could return to their parent clubs later this month, but are still available for the trip.
Opta stats
Liverpool have never lost an FA Cup game against a team from the fourth tier (W12 D3).
The Reds have advanced from the FA Cup third round on each of their last five attempts, last failing to do so in 2010/11 when they were knocked out by Manchester United.
This will be the first FA Cup meeting between Liverpool and Plymouth Argyle - they last met in a fixture of any kind in April 1962, when they played in a second tier fixture at Home Park.
At Anfield, Liverpool haven't conceded a goal in FA Cup competition since March 2012 against Stoke (five consecutive clean sheets since).
The Pilgrims have been eliminated in each of their last 11 FA Cup meetings against top-flight opposition; their most recent win was against West Brom in the fifth round in the 1983/84 campaign.
Argyle have never won at Anfield in their entire history, drawing two and losing three games in the second tier between 1954 and 1961.
Charlie's prediction
I don't like to say it, but it is a nice pay day for Derek Adams' team and not very much else. Liverpool will make plenty of changes and give a few youngsters a chance and, without showing any disrespect, they've got enough quality to come in and still make this a comfortable day.
I actually fancy a hat-trick in this one and I'm backing Divock Origi to get one. He was in good form before being dropped and will be desperate to prove his point.
Charlie Nicholas predicts: 4-0 and Origi to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)
