Liverpool Prepares for FA Cup Clash Against Accrington Stanley

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects an intense FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley, saying it will feel like a Champions League final for the lower-league team.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is anticipating a fiercely competitive Accrington Stanley side when the two teams clash in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on Saturday. The significant disparity in league standings between the two teams - with Liverpool leading the Premier League and Champions League, and Accrington Stanley sitting 19th in the fourth tier - is expected to fuel the underdogs' motivation.

According to Slot, the match represents a unique opportunity for Accrington Stanley, and they will likely be highly energized and focused. “Every team views playing against us as a special occasion, especially lower-league teams,” Slot noted during a press conference on Friday. “They've probably been preparing for this game for weeks, so we need to be at our best.”

Up next, we host Accrington Stanley in the #EmiratesFACup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4Rnqi1S0Gb

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 9, 2025

Slot emphasized the importance of acknowledging Accrington Stanley's perspective, where this FA Cup match is akin to a Champions League final. “For them, tomorrow's game will feel like the Champions League final, and we must be aware of that level of intensity and enthusiasm,” he cautioned, highlighting the need for Liverpool to be equally motivated and prepared.

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, emphasized the importance of being prepared for their upcoming match against a lower-league team. Slot noted that every team views playing Liverpool as a special occasion, particularly for lower-league teams. “Every team against us is a special occasion for every team but especially a lower league team, so they will be all up for it,” he told reporters on Friday.

Slot acknowledged that their opponents have likely been preparing for this match for weeks and will be highly motivated. “They have lived this game for weeks probably... so we need to bring the best out of ourselves,” he said. Slot compared the match to a Champions League final, highlighting the intensity and hype surrounding the game. “If we go to the Champions League final, everyone is hyped up and that is for them tomorrow, it will feel like the Champions League final and we have to be aware of that.”

Slot warned that the first 30 minutes of the match will be the most challenging, as their opponents will be extremely intense and motivated. “First half-hour is most difficult, they will be very intense and we have to be ready for them playing the best games of their lives. That is what we have to do too,” he emphasized.

Arne Slot with an update on the squad 🏃#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/HPU2oARjNT

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 10, 2025

In a boost to the team, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has returned to training after recovering from illness. The 22-year-old Hungary captain had missed Liverpool's 2-2 home draw against rivals Manchester United and a 1-0 loss in the semi-final first leg of the League Cup at Tottenham.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that centre-back Jarell Quansah, 21, is available for selection in their upcoming match. Slot emphasized that every game presents an opportunity for players to showcase their skills. “Every game is an opportunity for them to have a chance to play and this one as well,” Slot said.

Slot provided updates on the availability of two key players, Dominik Szoboszlai and Jarell Quansah. “Dom trained with the under-21s yesterday,” Slot revealed. Regarding Quansah, Slot explained, “Jarell, like I said, he was a bit ill last week, as a result of that I had to take him off the game (against Tottenham) but I am expecting him to be available for tomorrow.”

Slot continued to defend vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, who faced criticism for his performance against Manchester United. Slot highlighted Alexander-Arnold's overall impressive form this season. “Trent has had one difficult game for us and maybe a few that were OK to good. Mainly he has had great games when he played for us this season,” Slot said.

Slot also praised Alexander-Arnold's improved display against Tottenham, where he came on as a substitute in the second half. The Liverpool manager expressed delight at the fans' positive reaction to Alexander-Arnold's performance. “I know there is a lot of focus on him at the moment, but I would also like to highlight the focus on how well he did when he came on in the last half-hour (Tottenham) and how our fans reacted to him, that is what pleased me even more during that game.”

Accrington Stanley, a Lancashire-based team, may be most recognizable to English football fans due to a classic 1980s television commercial for the Milk Marketing Board. The ad playfully poked fun at the team's relative obscurity.

When asked about his knowledge of the relationship between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley, Arne Slot mentioned the iconic milk advert. “I do know about the milk advert,” he said. Slot also recalled seeing a clip of an Accrington Stanley player ecstatic about the opportunity to play at Anfield after the match was drawn.

Slot revealed that he has some familiarity with the team and its connections to the local area. “Immediately after the game, there was a clip of a player that was so happy that he was going to play at Anfield. So these kinds of things I know,” he explained. Additionally, Slot mentioned that he knows people from the area who play for Accrington Stanley, and he has done his research on the team. “I know people from this area also play for that club. There's quite a lot actually that I already know and, of course, I know a lot about the team.”