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FA Cup: Lucas Saves Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle Also Advance

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp played a somewhat youthful squad in the first encounter and the German coach has chose to mix it up again on the away replay.

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Liverpool gained their advantage on 18 minutes when Lucas powerfully headed home Philippe Coutinho’s left-wing corner at the near post.

The Reds were forced to withdraw the defender from last Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Manchester United, while he was also not considered for the FA Cup replay against Plymouth Argyle.

Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has not travelled with the squad to face Plymouth on Wednesday, according to a report. Liverpool need him. He scores goals when he plays, his minutes-to-goals ratio is incredible.

Lucas scored the lone goal as Liverpool won away at Plymouth Argyle to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“So I am really surprised that he has not scored in so long, but now he’s back on track”.

The Reds dominated possession in their first meeting at Anfield, but could not find a way through as they were held to a goalless draw. There are possibilities to speed up the game, but we did not use them in the first game. Liverpool clung on in the replay, with Divock Origi squandering a chance to double the lead when his penalty was saved.

Plymouth went close again after 32 minutes when Oscar Threlkeld got in behind Alberto Moreno to cross, but Trent Alexander-Arnold made a fine challenge to deny Garita a shot on goal.

Graham Carey nearly succeeded in giving the hosts an instant leveller after ripping a shot from just outside the area, but Liverpool stopper Loris Karius was equal to the effort to keep the Merseysiders ahead. Graham Scott, the referee, pointed to the spot but Origi was unable to convert.

“Actually, I expected you to ask me about Lucas!”

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Both Clyne and Henderson are set to join first-team training on Friday, while Coutinho is in line for his first Premier League start since November’s 2-0 win at home to Sunderland. “We’ve tried everything, but at the end I have to make the decision”.

Liverpool