# ‘I’ll Get Goosebumps’ – Barnsley Duo Out to Upset Old Club Liverpool
As the FA Cup third round heats up, League One strugglers **Barnsley** head to Anfield on Monday evening with dreams of a giant-killing against **Liverpool**. Kick-off is at 7:45 p.m. GMT, where Arne Slot’s Reds aim to extend their perfect record of 11 FA Cup wins on January 12.[1][2][3] But whispers from the Barnsley camp suggest this could be no routine stroll—two former Liverpool academy products are plotting an emotional upset against their old club.[3]
## The Barnsley Threat: Ex-Reds Ready to Haunt Anfield
At the heart of Barnsley’s boldness are **Luca Connell** and **another academy graduate** (with Connell highlighted as a key figure despite his suspension), both Liverpool-born talents who know Anfield’s magic all too well. Sources close to the squad reveal Connell’s admission: *”I’ll get goosebumps”* stepping onto the hallowed turf, a mix of nostalgia and hunger fueling their fire.[3] Connell, Barnsley’s captain, misses the tie through suspension after a red card in their last outing, but his influence lingers—Liverpool fans recall his youth promise before he departed for pastures new.[3]
Paired with him in the “duo” narrative is the likes of **David Watson** or **Adam Phillips**, midfield enforcers who’ve tasted higher levels and now eye a scalp. Manager Conor Hourihane, sensing history, has few injury woes, allowing a full-strength XI including **D. Keillor-Dunn** (two goals in recent matches) and **P. Kelly** (one goal).[3][4] Barnsley’s predicted lineup: Cooper; Watson, De Gevigney, Shepherd, Earl; Phillips, Bland; Jaló, Kelly, McGoldrick; Keillor-Dunn.[3] Recent form shows grit—draws and narrow losses amid a relegation scrap—but a trip to Anfield is “once in a lifetime,” per insiders.[3]
For these ex-Reds, it’s personal. Connell’s suspension stings, yet his pre-match words electrify: goosebumps signal not fear, but fire to relive youth dreams by toppling giants. Barnsley’s last win over Liverpool? A stunning 2-1 in the 2008 FA Cup, etched in cup lore.[3] History whispers possibility.
## Liverpool’s Lucky Streak Meets Injury Crisis
Liverpool enter as **overwhelming favorites**, 57 places above Barnsley in the pyramid, chasing FA Cup glory after last season’s shock exit.[1][3] Slot vows no repeat, promising a **strong squad** despite absences: Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike (hamstring doubt), Stefan Bajcetic, and Wataru Endo all sidelined.[2][3] Mohamed Salah remains at AFCON with Egypt.[3]
Rotation looms with a packed schedule—recent draws vs. Arsenal (0-0), Fulham (2-2), Leeds (0-0), and wins over Wolves (2-1), Spurs (2-1).[3] Youngster **Rio Ngumoha** could shine, alongside predicted stars: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa.[3] Anfield’s atmosphere and that January 12 hoodoo (11/11 wins) tilt odds heavily.[1]
Yet inconsistency nags—nerves could brew if Barnsley’s duo sparks early chaos.[3] Referee Farai Hallam oversees, no VAR in early rounds.[2][3]
## FA Cup Magic: Why Upsets Beckon
The FA Cup’s third round thrives on shocks—defending champs Crystal Palace already stunned.[3] Barnsley’s relegation fight (losses to Lincoln 0-2, Mansfield 2-3, Exeter 3-0) belies cup potential; draws like Wigan 1-1 show steel.[3] Head-to-head favors Liverpool (3 wins to Barnsley’s 2 in last five), but 2008’s Anfield upset lingers.[3]
Slot’s guarantee of strength reassures, but ex-academy foes add spice. Connell’s goosebumps? A rallying cry. Will Barnsley’s duo deliver fairy-tale revenge, or does Liverpool’s pedigree prevail?
## Preview and Prediction
Anfield awaits a spectacle. Liverpool’s depth should overwhelm, but cup ties defy logic. **Predicted score: Liverpool 3-1 Barnsley**—comfortable, yet Barnsley nicks one via Keillor-Dunn or Kelly, honoring that duo’s spirit.[3]
Fans, tune in for live stats, lineups, and H2H on apps like FotMob.[2] As Connell might say, expect goosebumps aplenty.
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Original source: BBC News – ‘I’ll get goosebumps’ – Barnsley duo out to upset old club Liverpool