The big boys in the Premier League have started their FA Cup campaigns this weekend as the third round of the competition has arrived. The second to last game of the third round will take place on Monday as Liverpool take on Barnsley.
Liverpool are -800 favorites on the moneyline for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +850. Fancy a Barnsley upset? The League One side are +1400 to win inside the 90 minutes.
Liverpool vs. Barnsley Prediction, Pick
This should be an easy day at the office for the Reds. Coming off a draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal, Barnsley will feel like a massive step down in competition. The gap between fourth place in the Premier League and 17th place in League One cannot be understated. In the English football pyramid, Liverpool are 58 places above their competition.
We have seen some of the biggest clubs in England obliterate lower league competition over the weekend. League leaders Arsenal took down Portsmouth 4-1. Man City beat Exeter City 10-1. Chelsea took down Charlton 5-1. The list goes on and on. I understand it’s the FA Cup and the draw is what it is, but Barnsley have no business being on the same pitch as Liverpool. Even with a ton of rotation, this should be an easy day at the office for the Reds against far inferior competition.
Barnsley have won eight, drawn five and lost eight of their first 21 games this season. Two divisions above them, Liverpool have won 10, drawn five and lost six of their opening 21 games. There is a clear gap in skill here, and when you factor in that this game will be played under the lights at Anfield, there is no question what the outcome of this game will be.
