Venue: Boundary Park Kick-Off: 4pm TV: Live on ITV A repeat of last season's Third round tie sees an out of form Oldham Athletic welcome Brendan Rodgers' improving Liverpool to Boundary Park. The game last year finished 5-1 to the premier league team and, although nothing is ever certain in football, it will be a huge shock if the Reds do not win again on Sunday. Oldham are without a win in their last 8 League One games and currently sit just 4 points above the relegation zone, however they did pull off something of a giant killing in the previous round when they defeated Championship Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the City Ground. Robbie Simpson scored two for the Latics that day and his efforts, along with those of Former Liverpool Youngster Dean Bouzanis and Ex- Everton striker Jose Baxter, will be crucial if they are to get anything from this game. In contrast to Oldham, Liverpool have shown promise in recent games that was lacking at the start of the season. Last Saturdays 5-0 hammering of Norwich City was their third win in 4 games, a period in which they have scored 12 goals.
Team News
Jose's Reina and Enrique are expected to miss the tie through injury and there is also a concern over the fitness of Glen Johnson, who has a tight hamstring. This means there could be a rare start for young Left-Back Jack Robinson and Brad Jones is expected to continue in goal. There has been no word from Brendan Rodgers as to how strong a team he will field but if the third round win at Mansfield is any indication then we can expect a near to full strength line up, that could include new signing Daniel Sturridge and top scorer Luis Suarez. Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger will be rested, according to
the Mirror. Unfortunately for Oldham fans, they will be without star midfielder Dean Furman as he is still on international duty with South Africa at the African Cup of Nations, James Wesolowski, a lifelong Liverpool fan is likely to take his place.
Likely Line-Ups
Oldham: Bouzanis; Wabara, Byrne, Mvoto, Grounds; MChangama, Baxter; Wesolowki; Sutherland, Smith, Taylor.
Liverpool: Jones, Robinson, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Downing, Henderson, Allen, Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez.