When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw?published at 10:00 11 January
10:00 11 January
Image source, Getty Images
The FA Cup third round is well under way, with Premier League sides Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa the clubs already booking their places in the fourth-round draw with wins on Thursday and Friday.
But for other sides hoping for a healthy cup run this season, when will the draw take place?
The draw will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following the conclusion of the Arsenal v Manchester United tie, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday.
It will include 32 teams - with all third-round matches this weekend settled on the day - and the resulting ties will be played over the weekend commencing Saturday, 8 February.
Liverpool v Accrington: Sutton's predictionspublished at 18:03 10 January
18:03 10 January
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 FA Cup third round games and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.
For this week's matches he is up against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who is a Liverpool fan.
Sutton's prediction: 4-0
This will be a great day out for Accrington but you can't really make a case for them against the Premier League leaders, no matter what side Arne Slot puts out.
It will be a team of fringe Liverpool players but it will still have great quality. Their success so far this season is because their squad is so strong.
Billy's prediction: 3-1
I love to root for the underdog, except when they are playing my team!
Elliott needs time to get back to his best - Slotpublished at 18:02 10 January
18:02 10 January
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spoken about midfielder Harvey Elliott, saying the 21-year-old is a "talented player" and it is "not easy to come back and be at your best immediately" after a lengthy injury.
Slot says it is important to find a balance between giving players game time to return to their best form, alongside wanting to win every match they play.
Media caption,
Slot prepared for Accrington challengepublished at 16:48 10 January
16:48 10 January
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will get his first taste of FA Cup action on Saturday when his Premier League leaders host League Two side Accrington Stanley.
Slot is expected to make plenty of changes for the game and, apart from knowing about the famous "milk advert", he also knows whatever side he puts out will have to be wary of a side 86 places below them in the league pyramid.
"It's a special occasion for every team we face, but especially for a lower-league team," said Slot when he spoke to the media at the club's snowy training ground on Friday.
"They will be all up for it. They've lived towards this game for weeks probably.
"If you go to a Champions League final, everybody is hyped up and ready and, for them, it is going to feel as if it is a Champions League final, so we have to be aware of that.
"Nine out of 10 times, the first 25 minutes or half hour is the most difficult part of the game because they will still be very intense.
"It's up to us to be ready for them wanting to play the best game of their lives and that is what we have to do as well."
'I don't see the pattern if it is about Trent'published at 16:47 10 January
16:47 10 January
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he recognises patterns in the goals his side concede - but they are not down to right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Media caption,
The stats behind Alexander-Arnold scrutinypublished at 16:47 10 January
16:47 10 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Trent Alexander-Arnold has won it all with his boyhood club Liverpool, but he is out of contract in the summer and reports linking him with a potential free transfer to Real Madrid have made him a big talking point.
Yet the focus on Alexander-Arnold's performances is not wholly linked to his ongoing contract situation, but rather Liverpool's defensive stats.
The 26-year-old has started 17 of Liverpool's 19 Premier League games so far this season.
The England full-back's role on the right of the Liverpool defence has come under scrutiny because of the number of touches and chances opponents have been getting this season when attacking down that side.
According to Opta, Liverpool's opponents are having 44.1% of their touches in the left-third in the attacking areas - Liverpool's right-hand side - which is the highest ratio in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, 35.7% of opposition chances against Liverpool are created on that side - the fifth-highest ratio in the division.
Head coach Arne Slot defended his player in Friday's news conference and said: "I do see a certain pattern in the goals we concede, but I don't see the pattern if it is about Trent. Not at all.
"Trent has had one difficult game for us [in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield] and maybe a few that were OK to good.
"Mainly he has had great games when he played for us this season.
"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 [against Tottenham on Wednesday]."
Alexander-Arnold came off the bench for Conor Bradley at Spurs, but it is not unusual for him to not start a Carabao Cup game, given Slot has consistently tried to rotate his squad in that competition.
Slot on Szoboszlai, Elliott and Accrington Stanleypublished at 09:46 10 January
09:46 10 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Accrington Stanley (kick-off 12:15 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai trained with Liverpool Under-21s on Thursday after recovering from illness while Jarell Quansah is also expected to be available for Saturday.
On the need to rotate his squad: "One of the most important things is to give players a rest when possible. We are not tired, not at all. We are stepping up."
However, he will only decide his squad after training today as those that travelled to Tottenham on Wednesday did not train on Thursday due to their flight being diverted to Birmingham.
On the past two performances against Manchester United and Spurs: "I don't see many differences from the other games. We have won a lot of games, maybe all games we've deserved to win except Chelsea, but never by a big margin."
He therefore wants his side to be more clinical and ruthless in their performances: "Improving is increasing that margin, otherwise you defend on a bit of luck or a certain decision. We must make sure we don't depend on those moments anymore."
Slot said he has "no comments" on the ongoing transfer rumours around his players and "99 out of 100 times in the window it has been clear that almost all of these stories aren't true."
On "talented" Harvey Elliott, who has been linked with a move away this month: "It is not so easy to come back and be at your best immediately."
Slot said he is trying to "find the balance between playing time to get them back to his best" and setting his team up to win games.
In response to questions about the Reds facing more attacks down the right side of their defence: "I see patterns in the goals we concede but it is not about Trent [Alexander-Arnold], if that is what you mean? I know there is focus on him at the moment, but I highlight how well he did in the last half hour [against Tottenham]."
Meanwhile, youngsters Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha "are doing really well", with Slot adding: "As long as they keep doing that then their chances of first-team involvement will increase."
He said he "will dive" into studying Accrington Stanley more today but joked that he knows about the milk advert and that "people from this area also play for the club".
Accrington "will be up for it" says Slot and "we have to be ready for them to play the best games of their lives."
Liverpool aim to get back on track in FA Cuppublished at 08:44 10 January
08:44 10 January
Image source, Reuters
It is not often Arne Slot has been in this position as Liverpool boss.
Following his side being beaten 1-0 at Tottenham on Wednesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, the Dutchman tasted defeat for only the second time in a competitive game in charge of the Reds.
That's some going in his first 29 matches but, coming after being held 2-2 by a struggling Manchester United at Anfield in the league on Sunday, are Liverpool showing signs of vulnerability?
The Reds have let in 10 goals in their past seven games, having only let in 15 in their previous 22 outings. They also failed to score for the first time since this season's only other loss, which was a 1-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on 14 September.
Taking that into account, is there the sniff of Liverpool being on the wrong end of an FA Cup third-round upset on Saturday when they host Accrington Stanley (12:15 GMT)?
The League Two side will hope so whereas Slot will be keen for his side to put on an emphatic display to get back on track after his side faced some travel disruption on the way back from London following the Spurs game.
Liverpool's flight was diverted to Birmingham before they made their way back via alternative transport, with training on Thursday being cancelled as a result.
We'll hear from Slot on Friday morning to get his thoughts on his first FA Cup game, how much he will rotate his squad and any injury concerns.
Gossip: Liverpool keen on Kvaratskheliapublished at 07:30 10 January
07:30 10 January
Liverpool could move for Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia, 23, if Napoli allow the Georgia winger to leave this month. (Athletic, external)
The Reds are one of three Premier League clubs monitoring Bournemouth quartet Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen. (The i, external)
'We are not silly - we know how good Liverpool are'published at 16:45 9 January
16:45 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
Accrington Stanley assistant manager Ged Brannan is hopeful that his squad can pull off an FA Cup upset at Liverpool on Saturday, but more than anything he wants everyone "to absorb every minute" of the day.
As third-round ties go, it does not get much bigger for the League Two club than a trip to Anfield.
Wedged between league fixtures against Colchester and Notts County, Accrington will bid to knock the current Premier League leaders out of the FA Cup.
"It is fantastic for the players, staff and fans. We just have to embrace it.
"We have looked at how they play. Teams like Real Madrid, considered one of the best in the world, have gone to Anfield and tried to stop them and we will give it a good go.
"We will give it everything we have got but it is also one of those days where you have just got to enjoy it. There will be loads of FA Cup upsets this weekend and hopefully we can be one of them!
"We are not silly, we know how good Liverpool are but we are just going to absorb every minute.
"As a Liverpool fan, I can't wait until they sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and feel the atmosphere. I'll be touching the 'This is Anfield' sign, but obviously I want Accrington to win."
Liverpool flight diverted because of weatherpublished at 15:48 9 January
15:48 9 January
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, PA Media
There are plenty of people facing travel issues because of the weather and Liverpool were no different as they made their way back from London after a 1-0 defeat by Tottenham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
The freezing fog conditions meant they were unable to land at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool as planned, with their flight being diverted to Birmingham.
They took alternative transport from there and, as a result, training on Thursday was cancelled.
The Reds next play Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round on Saturday (12:15 GMT).
Liverpool v Accrington Stanley: Did you know?published at 15:10 9 January
15:10 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
This is the first meeting between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley in all competitions, though the Reds did beat the original Accrington side 2-0 in the 1955-56 FA Cup third round.
'We don't need that motivation' - Van Dijk on Bergvall winnerpublished at 13:29 9 January
13:29 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool "don't need" to use frustration caused by Lucas Bergvall's contentious late winner for Tottenham as motivation ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Reds captain Virgil Van Dijk has said.
Bergvall fired home in the 86th minute to give Spurs a 1-0 victory in Wednesday's first leg, just moments after he made a challenge on Kostas Tsimikas which could have resulted in a second yellow card.
Van Dijk was visibly irritated by the decision but played down suggestions the Reds would use that as fuel before the second leg at Anfield on 6 February.
"The frustration was purely on the pitch," the 33-year-old said. "After the game you can't do anything about it any more and unfortunately for us, it ended up with him scoring the winner.
"It doesn't work like that. We don't need that motivation. We know we will be 1-0 down when the game is played at Anfield so we have to fight.
"We have to do it all together, with our fans and the players. Obviously, hopefully everyone is fit and let's see if we can do it.
"It will be tough because they are a very good team in my opinion, with a very good manager but we're going to go for it.
"We're in a semi-final, we know how much they would like to win it but I know for a fact we would love to win it again and maybe even more.
"I don't like losing and in the manner we lost, it was unnecessary, but there is an opportunity to make this right. That will be in a couple of weeks' time."
Accrington's Woods 'over the moon' about facing 'boyhood club'published at 13:25 9 January
13:25 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
Accrington Stanley forward and lifelong Liverpool fan Josh Woods has said he "just cannot wait" to experience playing at Anfield, as the League Two club prepares to face the Premier League leaders in the FA Cup third round.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside before Saturday's game, Woods said: "The build-up to the game has just been amazing and obviously this week is going to be great for me and the boys. We are all excited.
"I just never expected to get this draw, so when we got the draw I was just in disbelief. It still doesn't feel real at the minute, but this week is going to be massive for us and I think it is going to settle in soon.
"Every time I go to a game at Anfield, I look at the pitch and I think about how it is just a dream to play there. It's my boyhood club, so it is just like any kid's dream really. I'm over the moon.
"There are a few Liverpool fans in the squad. This game means a lot to me but I think it will mean a bit more to Liam Coyle because he played for them, so I'm obviously over the moon for him as well.
"There are also one or two other Reds in the dressing room so we are all buzzing. Even a few of the lads who aren't Liverpool fans are excited, it is just a good stage to play on."
Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:02 9 January
11:02 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views after Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Tottenham and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Tottenham fans
Jack: Bergvall, Gray, Spence, Kinsky - wow! Liverpool were not at the races last night but with some injuries back in the second leg, could we do it?
Rajinder: Well done Ange! The lads really turned up today and executed the manager's plan beautifully. Best wishes to Bentancur for a speedy recovery. Now let's go finish the job at Anfield.
Colin: Great performance from a young team who didn't let the occasion get to them. A more reserved performance with outstanding contributions from Spence, Bergvall and Solanke. It's another month before we play Liverpool again so some time to boost the ranks with new players and returns from injury. Wembley might not be that far away!
John: For the first time in months, I was watching a proper Spurs team. I can tell you, it was a great source of relief. Well done lads and thanks.
Liverpool fans
Jason: Liverpool are experiencing a blip right now. Consistency is missing and a clean sheet is extinct. Opponents have figured out how to neutralize Slot-ball, with Manchester United showing the way last Sunday. I fear the second half of this season will mirror last season. We may run out of steam and end up as bridesmaid for the biggest prizes again. I truly hope I'm wrong.
Raj: The controversy over the second yellow shouldn't hide from the disappointment of a poor Liverpool display. Several key players seem to be off form at the moment.
Andrew: You can't win them all. Home leg should be fine.
J Gibney: Looks like it's our turn for a dip in form. Fortunately the cup games will help us get back to a good level but it begins with the players being able to find their feet again, start there, keep the ball, confidence will return with it.
Too much change too quickly?published at 09:32 9 January
09:32 9 January
Media caption,
Decisions from officials were under scrutiny as Tottenham edged Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
A foul by Lucas Bergvall late in the fixture - when play was allowed to continue - saw the Tottenham midfielder let off what would have been a second caution. Moments later he scored the winning goal.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was left frustrated by officiating days earlier, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot was left stunned by Wednesday's decision.
Postecoglou questioned the countless changes to rules in his post-match media conference, while Slot gave his views on the controversy.
Media caption,
'A loss is definitely not what we deserved' - Slotpublished at 08:21 9 January
08:21 9 January
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports after defeat at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg: "It didn't feel to me we were ever going to lose here."
On the referee's performance and whether Lucas Bergvall should have had a second yellow card: "The decision he made had a lot of impact on the result tonight. There's not a lot I can say from that.
"The fourth official told me why he thought it wasn't a second yellow and he heard that probably from the referee. What we can say about it is that he said he didn't stop the counter attack, every manager would say they prefer the second yellow than a counter attack that goes on.
"It is what it is, we hate to lose but the positive is that it is better to lose when there is a second leg."
Slot revealed Jarrell Quansah came off in the fixture through illness rather than injury and adding more on the defeat, the Dutch boss said: "It was a game where both teams wanted to press the other high, both wanted to bring the ball out from the back. I liked this performance from us a bit more than the one on Sunday but it is a completely different game.
"I do agree that we played one of the best, probably the best games, two weeks ago against Tottenham.
"This performance today was definitely good enough to get a result. To go away with a loss is definitely not what we deserved."