John Barnes: Liverpool can fight for all four competitions

We recently had the opportunity to interview Liverpool and England legend John Barnes here at bettingexpert. During our conversation, he shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s chances of winning all four competitions they still find themselves in; Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Europa League.

He also spoke on why he’s delighted to see Fabio Carvalho joining Hull City on loan.

In this article:

• Liverpool can fight for all four competitions
• Liverpool are favourites for the Carabao Cup Final
• Hull City loan is a good move for Carvalho

Liverpool can fight for all four competitions

Liverpool have qualified for the Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League. Currently, Liverpool finds themselves competing on all four fronts this season, and interestingly, Barnes is very confident that this Liverpool squad is capable of competing in all four competitions they find themselves in.

“Liverpool will be one of the favourites. They’re top of the Premier League and whoever is top of the Premier League would naturally be favourites.”

“I think Liverpool can go on all fronts. They have a strong enough squad to fight on all fronts.”

“If Klopp had a choice he would want to win the Premier League, the FA Cup and then maybe the Europa League and then the Carabao Cup.”

“All the cup competitions are great for forming good, winning habits. Liverpool are the favourites but I’m not saying they will go gung-ho to prioritise the Europa League over the Premier League or FA Cup.”

Liverpool are favourites for the Carabao Cup Final

After a crucial win against Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals’ first leg, Liverpool’s draw at Craven Cottage last night was sufficient to set up a Wembley final on 25 February against Chelsea. The match will be a repeat of the 2022 Carabao Cup final in which Liverpool narrowly defeated Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in a penalty shootout. Barnes asserts that Liverpool are the favourites for the final but remains cautious about the one-off game against the Blues.

“Liverpool are the favourites for the Carabao Cup because we’re Liverpool.”

“We’ve got a great chance but in one off games, it’ll be tough.”

Hull City loan is a good move for Carvalho

Fabio Carvalho has joined Hull City on loan from Liverpool for the remainder of the season. Hull has positioned themselves as frontrunners due to manager Liam Rosenior’s willingness to provide loan players with opportunities, as demonstrated by the success of fellow Anfield talent Tyler Morton this season. Barnes is delighted that Carvalho will have the opportunity to play regularly at Hull, even though some may view it as a step down.

“The most important thing for him is to be playing regularly.”

“He could have gone to a Premier League club but if he’s not going to play regularly what’s the point of him going out on loan?”

“Him and the club feel he will get regular football time at Hull and they are a decent club so it’s a good move.”

“People may say it’s a step down but he wants to play 90 minutes every week which for me is more ambitious than going to a Premier League club and sitting on the bench.”

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