FA Cup 2021-22: Liverpool vs Cardiff City Match Preview

Liverpool will restart their current campaign when they face Cardiff City in the fourth-round tie at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Previously in the earlier round, we saw Covid and injury-hit Liverpool sail through Shrewsbury’s side to qualify for the FA Cup fourth round. And now Liverpool will welcome Championship side Cardiff City side on their home turf, which looks like a fairly straightforward game on paper.

Liverpool vs Cardiff City: Preview

Liverpool vs Cardiff City: Pre-match press conference

The Reds are coming into the clash against Cardiff City off to a back of three consecutive victories. Liverpool have sailed through smoothly in the previous month with fewer hurdles.

As many pundits and football experts predicted Liverpool to crumble without their star Africans and injury absentees. Liverpool played six games (all competitions) winning four and drawing two.

Moreover in the process, the Reds also booked a place in the final of the EFL Cup beating Arsenal in the semi-final clash. And also made sure the Reds maintain the second spot in the league standings and hunt for the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, the Wales side are coming into the tie of two victories on a spin. The Bluebirds had a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on January 30 which saw their two-game losing streak come to an end.

And then followed a 1-0 win away from home at Barnsley. Cardiff side will bring their good momentum and will look to cause an upset at Liverpool’s fortress on Sunday.

Moreover, interestingly, Cardiff City heads into the game with a surprise lead in the history of this fixture. The Bluebirds have claimed 18 wins from the last 34 meetings between the sides.

Liverpool have picked up two fewer wins, while the spoils have been shared twice.

Team News

Harvey Eliott looks all set to return to the matchday squad after missing five months of footballing action due to fracture-dislocation of his ankle. Meanwhile, forward Divock Origi is also in with a chance of featuring.

But Thiago has a chest infection after battling past a hip injury and seems doubtful for the tie.

Meanwhile, the African duo of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will miss the tie as both the superstars are on course to face each other in the AFCON final just hours after Liverpool’s game against Cardiff.

Also, new signing Luis Diaz won’t be rushed by Jurgen Klopp to put straight into the game, having just arrived from his former club, FC Porto.

Goalkeeper Caomhin Kelleher is likely to be deputized in between the sticks. While Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas can feature in the starting line-up.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Gordon

Liverpool predicted line up vs Cardiff City

Liverpool vs Cardiff City: What Anfield Home Predicts

Cardiff City heads into the game with restored form, claiming two wins from their last two games. But they have an enormous task of taking on a rampant Liverpool side at their fortress Anfield.

And even in the absence of Salah, Mane, and Diaz, Liverpool still have enough power at their arsenal and more experience to advance comfortably.

Liverpool looks likely to cruise through 3-0 against The Bluebirds.

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