FA Cup Fourth Round Preview: Plymouth vs Liverpool
Published:
Fixture: Plymouth vs Liverpool
Date: Sunday, 9 February 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Home Park, Plymouth
Match Overview
Championship side Plymouth Argyle will look to cause a monumental FA Cup upset when they take on Premier League giants Liverpool in the fourth round at Home Park. The hosts are heavy underdogs against a side with a rich history in this competition, but as always in the FA Cup, anything is possible.
While Plymouth’s primary focus remains survival in the Championship, a deep cup run would be a significant achievement for Miron Muslic's team. Meanwhile, Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are expected to field a rotated squad but will still have enough firepower to pose a serious threat.
Recent Form & FA Cup Journey
Plymouth Argyle (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- W 2-1 vs West Brom (Championship)
- D 2-2 vs Sunderland (Championship)
- L 0-5 vs Burnley (Championship)
- L 0-1 vs QPR (Championship)
- D 1-1 vs Oxford United (Championship)
FA Cup Run
- Third Round: W 1-0 vs Brentford
Plymouth’s FA Cup campaign began with a hard-fought victory over Brentford, showcasing their ability to frustrate higher-level opposition. However, their form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches in all competitions.
Liverpool (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- W 4-0 Tottenham (Carabao Cup)
- W 2-0 vs Bournemouth (Premier League)
- L 2-3 vs PSV (Champions League)
- W 4-1 vs Ipswich Town (Premier League)
- W 2-1 vs Lille (Champions League)
Liverpool are coming off a strong wins against Bournemouth and Tottenham, and while they suffered a setback in the Champions League against PSV, their overall form has been impressive.
Head-to-Head & FA Cup History
- Liverpool won their last FA Cup tie against Plymouth 1-0 in 2017 after a 0-0 draw at Anfield forced a replay.
- Plymouth have never beaten Liverpool in a competitive match, with their last win over a top-flight side in the FA Cup dating back to 2007.
- Liverpool have won the FA Cup eight times, most recently in 2022.
- Plymouth have never lifted the trophy, with their best finish coming in the semi-finals in 1984.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Plymouth Argyle Team News
Injuries & Suspensions:
- Brendan Galloway (Hip injury) – Out for the season
- Joe Edwards (Hamstring injury) – Out until late February
- Kornel Szucs (Muscle injury) – Doubtful
Possible XI (3-5-2)
- GK: Conor Hazard
- DEF: Nikola Katic, Julio Pleguezuelo, Maksym Taloverov
- MID: Michael Sorinola, Adam Randell, Jordan Houghton, Callum Wright, Tymoteusz Puchacz
- ATT: Michael Baidoo, Mustapha Bundu
Key Player: Mustapha Bundu – Plymouth will need his pace and finishing ability to trouble Liverpool’s backline.
Liverpool Team News
Injuries & Suspensions:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Injury doubt)
- Virgil van Dijk & Mohamed Salah (Possible rotation) – Could start from the bench or be left out entirely.
Possible XI (4-3-3)
- GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
- DEF: Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley
- MID: James McConnell, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott
- ATT: Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa
Key Player: Darwin Nunez – The Uruguayan forward will likely lead the line and look to capitalise on Plymouth’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Tactical Breakdown & What to Expect
Plymouth’s Approach
- Deep defensive shape, aiming to frustrate Liverpool.
- Counter-attacking football, looking to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line.
- Set-piece focus, using Nikola Katic and Taloverov’s aerial threat.
Liverpool’s Approach
- High pressing game, forcing errors in Plymouth’s half.
- Rotated squad but still filled with technical superiority.
- Possession dominance, keeping Plymouth penned in their half.
Prediction: Liverpool to Dominate Against Championship Opposition
Plymouth might hold their ground for the first half, but Liverpool’s quality and squad depth should prove too much in the latter stages. Expect a comfortable win for the Reds.
Final Score Prediction: Plymouth Argyle 0-3 Liverpool
Liverpool to advance, with a professional performance at Home Park.
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Plymouth have nothing to lose in this tie, but Liverpool should comfortably book their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a dominant display.
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