After an action-packed two-week break of transfer happenings, Liverpool FC is set to take on Cardiff City at Anfield this Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup. With the recent arrival of Colombian star Luis Diaz, many wonder whether he will make his debut with the Reds. However, as far as manager Jürgen Klopp sees it, he is not ruling out the possibility:
"“Give me a second to meet him and ask him how his last two or three days were because it’s not easy to sit around in Paris waiting for the papers and stuff like this. It’s not the best time of your life, it doesn’t help you with recovery from an intense period he had as well with two games for Colombia, massive travel, all these kinds of things. So, let’s have a look. I wouldn’t say no because I would be excited as well. A few minutes in a sold-out Anfield is nice. But let’s see.” via – Liverpoolfc.com"
While all eyes will be upon whether Diaz appears for LFC, there is still a pivotal match to be played.
The 4th round of the FA Cup has been unkind to Liverpool.
While Cardiff City has struggled against top-flight completion (the last win was against Newcastle in 2014), Liverpool has struggled at the same level to advance past the fourth round of England’s oldest knockout competition in football. Here is each year and opponent of when the Reds have faltered in this round under Klopp’s command:
- 20/21 – Manchester United
- 17/18 – West Bromovich
- 16/17 – Wolverhampton
- 15/16 – West Ham United
As you can see, this is a hurdle for LFC that they will be undoubtedly be looking to overcome. However, their youngest player may be the difference-maker in the match.
Will Kaide Gordon shine as he did in his last FA Cup outing?
A player that has undoubtedly captured the attention of many is Liverpool’s youngest player, the 17-year-old Kaide Gordon. In his last outing against Shrewsbury Town, Gordon displayed composure and talent as good as any veteran.
#EmiratesFACup debut goal for Kaide Gordon 😁@LFC pull themselves level with @shrewsweb. pic.twitter.com/Zk7qLHKAxe
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 9, 2022
Hopefully, he can replicate his previous performance once more for the Reds and Cardiff City this Sunday. If so, the fourth-round woes may not happen once more this season.