---
title: "Mark Lawrenson backs Liverpool to reach FA Cup fifth-round"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/mark-lawrenson-backs-liverpool-to-reach-fa-cup-fifth-round/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-02-06T07:45:00Z"
modified: "2022-02-06T07:45:00Z"
---

# Mark Lawrenson backs Liverpool to reach FA Cup fifth-round

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/05/virals-liverpool-welcome-new-signing-luis-diaz-on-busy-first-day/) make an eagerly anticipated return to action today (Sunday, February 6) with an FA Cup fourth-round clash against Cardiff City.

The Reds [welcome the Welsh side to Anfield](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-v-cardiff-city-team-news) and will be hoping for a comfortable afternoon’s work on Merseyside.

Struggling in the Championship and [without key players](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sean-morrisons-cardiff-city-career-22997132), the visitors may be forced to prioritise league form over a prolonged cup run.

Speaking to [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60208274), Mark Lawrenson backed Liverpool to get through the tie relatively unscathed.

> I am sure they will have a go at Liverpool, and I am also sure that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will start with some of his squad players. He will have enough on the bench to call upon if needed though.

Jurgen Klopp [confirmed](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/klopp-press-conference-liverpool-live-22982710) in midweek that the return of Harvey Elliott could be on the cards, whilst there may also be a debut for new signing Luis Diaz.

Midfield star Thiago also made a [comeback from injury](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/thiago-alcantara-and-divock-origi-injury-latest) following the break, as did enigmatic striker Divock Origi.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Never has a fourth-round FA Cup encounter been packed full of such intrigue.

Whilst everyone associated with Liverpool wants to succeed in the competition and perhaps at least emulate the run to the [Carabao Cup](https://www.efl.com/carabao-cup/) final, the added ingredient of those potentially involved contributes to the excitement.

Despite the possible presence of Diaz, Elliott is likely to [steal the show](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/harvey-elliott-liverpool-22854042) having faced a lengthy period sidelined through a horrendous injury.

After what is hopefully a victorious Liverpool display, attention can turn to another [interesting clash between](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12533428/senegal-vs-egypt-key-battles-in-africa-cup-of-nations-final) Sadio Mane’s Senegal and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt to crown the AFCON winner.