Kick-off at 1:30pm Sunday 8th January 2017 from Anfield
Liverpool begin the first of their two upcoming cup games with a visit from League Two outfit Plymouth Argyle, a club with whom The Reds have an understandably small history with.
Plymouth is the largest city in England to have never played in the top-tier, though they did play six successive seasons in the Championship from 2004 until 2010. They are currently in solid form in League Two, pushing for promotion to League One in 2nd position and one point behind league leaders Doncaster Rovers.
Liverpool are also 2nd in their league though they trail Chelsea by five points, a number which could have been cut down to three if Sadio Mane hadn’t given away a penalty for a handball inside the box against Sunderland on Monday.
Team News – Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is stretched for options heading into this FA Cup match as the previously mentioned Sadio Mane has joined Senegal as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations, while Daniel Sturridge is looking doubtful after limping off in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Klopp explained that the injury ‘wasn’t serious’ but knowing Sturridge’s history, he would be wise to rest him. That leaves Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino as Klopp’s only senior centre-forwards in the squad.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson remains on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester City, while fellow Englishman James Milner was taken off late in the Sunderland game for cautionary measures. That could open the door for out-of-favour full-back Alberto Moreno to pick up his first start since late November in the League Cup.
Team News – Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth recently signed former Liverpool youth player Jakub Sokolik from Southend United, though the 23-year-old defender will be unable to feature against his old side due to being cup tied, having already played in the competition for Southend this season.
Graham Carey is Plymouth’s danger man from midfield. Considering the David vs. Goliath scenario that the League Two side is up against in the form of the historic Liverpool, Plymouth players will be highly profitable options to score due to the magnitude of the task ahead of them. Carey is worth a mention as their best bet to score; he already has 10 goals this season, one of which came in the FA Cup against Newport County in extra-time. The Irishman pays 13/2 to score at any time with bet365.
Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle – FA Cup Betting Predictions
Expect a weaker Liverpool line-up against Plymouth. Klopp will likely view this fixture as a chance to incorporate youngsters such as Sheyi Ojo, Ben Woodburn, Oviemuno Ejaria and Kevin Stewart into first-team proceedings. Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva and Loris Karius should also get a chance to make a case for their return to first team action in the Premier League. Regardless, Liverpool should be able to field a second-string side that will be too strong for Plymouth. The Reds won’t be turning many heads with 2/11 offers from Matchbook and 888sport for the win, though you can increase potential profits by backing them to win by three or more goals at 23/20 with Coral. A correct score 3-0 the way of Liverpool pays 6/1 with BetVictor.
Despite all the media’s hysteria surrounding Liverpool’s defensive frailties, and there are still plenty of them, they haven’t conceded at Anfield in the FA Cup since 2012. Not since Peter Crouch’s equalizer for Stoke in the 2-1 win for The Reds in the Quarter Finals of this competition have they conceded a single goal at home. Liverpool to keep a clean sheet pays 4/6 with Betfred.
Liverpool have the highest spread of goal scorers in the Premier League this term: 12. They have a range of threats to offer Plymouth in what is undoubtedly their biggest test this season. The uncertainty surrounding Sturridge’s inclusion makes Divock Origi the main threat for Plymouth. He hasn’t scored in any of his last four appearances but did recently come off a purple patch that saw him hit five successive goals in as many games. The Belgian striker is 4/1 with Paddy Power to open the scoring and 28/29 with 888sport to find the net at any time.
Correct score prediction
Liverpool to win 4-1
