Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: You're expected to perform and win when you wear the LFC shirt

The Reds kick off their journey in this season's edition at Anfield against Barnsley of League One in the third round.

Having been part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2021-22, Van Dijk is aware of the requirement to perform at every stage of the famous competition in order to be successful.

In his column in the official matchday programme, the captain writes: "It is always a privilege to play at Anfield, and we return to our home tonight with a straightforward aim: to deliver a performance everyone associated with the club can be proud of.

"We will never be fully satisfied with a draw, even away from home against a top opponent, but I think we could take a lot of positives from Thursday's Premier League game at Arsenal.

"Sadly, I have to start with the negative side. The injury suffered by Conor Bradley in the closing stages of the match soured the evening for us all. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Conor a full and speedy recovery. We will be there for him every step of the way.

"In terms of the game, I think there are a lot of things we can reflect upon positively. The togetherness we showed, and the way we were able to defend as a team and then take control of the game in the second half, was very good, in my opinion, and represents the kind of spirit and mentality we need to show on a consistent basis going forward.

"It hasn't been perfect, by any means, but we are now 10 games unbeaten, and that gives us something to build on, in what has so far been a very challenging season for us. We have shown recently that we are still very much together, fighting for everything.

"Tonight we begin our FA Cup campaign, and it goes without saying that this is a competition we want to be successful in.

"I remember lifting the trophy back in 2022, and how special that was for everyone. I actually had to leave the game early due to injury, but I won't ever forget the scenes and the celebrations when we won the penalty shootout that day. Those are memories that will last forever.

"One of the best things about the FA Cup, of course, is its long, incredible history of upsets. There have been so many occasions down the years in which a smaller team has defeated a bigger one, and that is what makes this one of the most special competitions in world football.

"Of course, we experienced that for ourselves last season, when we lost to Plymouth Argyle, and we certainly want to avoid a repeat this evening.

"Make no mistake, this will be a tough test for us. Barnsley will be coming here with a lot of motivation, they have nothing to lose in many ways, and they will have a lot of fans behind them from the first whistle to the last.

"So we all have to be ready for a proper game. It doesn't matter what competition you play in, or against which opponent, when you wear the Liverpool shirt you are expected to perform and to win.

"That is a responsibility we all take extremely seriously, and hopefully we can give you guys plenty to shout about this evening.

"The road to Wembley starts here."

• Pick up your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield tonight or order online here.