Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is set to play a crucial role in their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. Known for his impressive record in away fixtures, the Portuguese attacker could be the key to breaking Liverpool’s unusual FA Cup curse.
After making a late substitute appearance in the 4-0 EFL Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur, Jota is expected to return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s match. The 28-year-old had recently missed several Premier League and Champions League games due to a muscular injury, following an earlier abdominal problem that disrupted his 2024-25 campaign.
Despite his setbacks, Jota has maintained his sharpness in front of goal, scoring eight times in 20 appearances this season. Now fully fit, he will aim to extend his 100% FA Cup away record, having either scored or assisted in all three of his previous away matches in the competition—excluding semi-finals and finals at Wembley.
Jota's Outstanding FA Cup Away Record
Jota’s FA Cup journey began in 2018, when he found the net for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a third-round replay against Swansea City. Despite his goal, Wolves were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat.
He had to wait four years for his next FA Cup away match, but when the opportunity arrived in the 2021-22 quarter-finals, he delivered. His solitary strike secured a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, helping Liverpool advance.
Last season, Jota was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2-0 third-round victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. He provided the assist for Luis Diaz’s late goal, sealing the win after an earlier own goal from Jakub Kiwior.
This season, Jota continued his FA Cup dominance, scoring in Liverpool’s 4-0 third-round win against Accrington Stanley at Anfield. His overall competition record is remarkable—six goals and four assists in 12 appearances, with direct goal contributions in his last three FA Cup outings.
Liverpool’s February 9 Curse
Jota’s presence could be vital in helping Liverpool overcome an unusual FA Cup curse. The Reds have played three FA Cup matches on February 9 throughout history—and lost them all.
In 1901, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Notts County.
In 1972, Leeds United eliminated them from the competition.
In 2016, West Ham United’s Angelo Ogbonna scored a late winner in extra time, ending Jurgen Klopp’s first FA Cup campaign.
Despite this unusual statistic, Liverpool will take confidence from their last trip to Home Park in the 2016-17 third-round replay, where a Lucas Leiva goal secured a 1-0 victory over Plymouth.
Can Jota Be the Difference-Maker?
Jota's return to Liverpool’s starting XI comes at a perfect time. His clinical finishing and proven FA Cup away form give Liverpool a strong chance of securing a much-needed victory. If he continues his impressive record in the competition, the Reds could finally break their February 9 hoodoo and keep their FA Cup ambitions alive.
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