Liverpool must overcome Plymouth Argyle during a replay at Home Park if they’re to make the fourth round of the FA Cup after a frustrating 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp made ten changes to his side to face the League Two side and named Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI.
The Reds impressed during parts during the first half – particularly through Ben Woodburn and Sheyi Ojo – and had around 84% possession during the opening 45 minutes.
However, Derek Adams’ men regrouped after the interval and were good value for their draw after a resolute and determined performance.
First half chances fell to Woodburn and Divock Origi but neither player managed to find a route to goal and Plymouth shut up shop after the break.
Klopp introduced Sturridge after the break and the England forward went close to breaking the deadlock when he unleashed a fierce shot from 25 yards but his effort went narrowly wide.
The Reds piled forward at the end but failed to find the winner they need thanks to dogged defending from Bradley and Purrington.
For Klopp, there will now surely be regrets to have played such a young side.
The German promised to make changes before the game but such wholesale changes – ten in all – disrupted the flow of his side and the former Dortmund boss left it too late to bring on the likes of Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge.
The 49-year-old is unlikely to admit any regrets but he may reflect upon his decision when he views what a replay does to Liverpool’s congested fixture list.
Liverpool's remaining fixtures
Middlesbrough (H) - Sun 21 May
It means Liverpool face the Pilgrims after a gruelling trip to Old Trafford and before the host Swansea City with replays pencilled in for the 17/18th January.
While the result it by no means a disaster, Liverpool could do without extra fixtures during a testing month in which they also face a two-leg League Cup semi-final clash with Southampton.
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