Liverpool seek Champions League certainty as Qarabag arrive at AnfieldLiverpool’s season continues to feel split down the middle. In Europe, there has been a sense of assurance, a sense that structu...
Liverpool seek Champions League certainty as Qarabag arrive at Anfield
Liverpool’s season continues to feel split down the middle. In Europe, there has been a sense of assurance, a sense that structure and control still exist. Domestically, confidence has ebbed away, eroded by injuries and moments of late damage. Wednesday night against Qarabag offers the chance to steady the narrative, even if certainty in the Champions League remains more fragile than the league table initially suggests.
The Reds come into the final league phase matchday sitting fourth, their European progress built on a commanding win over Marseille last time out. Yet automatic qualification for the round of 16 is not secured. A slip at Anfield could still push Arne Slot’s side outside the top eight and into a play-off round they can ill afford, particularly with morale dented after a last-minute defeat at Bournemouth.
Qarabag arrive as one of the quieter stories of this Champions League. Known as the Horsemen, they have leaned into their outsider status, using their remote home ground to notable effect. Wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen, plus a draw with Chelsea, underline their capacity to disrupt expectation. Now they face a different test, away from Baku and under the lights at Anfield.
European form offers contrast to domestic struggles
Liverpool’s continental results have masked domestic unease. The Champions League has offered clarity and rhythm that the Premier League has not. That makes this fixture more than a formality. With Qarabag 18th in the standings and still harbouring hopes of a play-off place, defeat would place them at risk of elimination but not remove their belief.
For Liverpool, the stakes feel heavier. Progression matters not just for prestige, but for protection of an already stretched squad. Two extra matches in February would carry consequences Slot can ill afford as he tries to navigate an injury-hit campaign.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Anfield. The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. TNT Sports subscribers can also watch via the Discovery+ app and website.
Defensive absences dominate team news
Liverpool’s injury list continues to shape every conversation. Joe Gomez became the latest concern after being forced off against Bournemouth following an awkward collision with Alisson. Slot offered little clarity afterwards, saying: “I don’t know if Joe is going to train in two or three days, that’s difficult for me to say. But it was clear he couldn’t go on today.”
With Ibrahima Konate still on compassionate leave following the death of his father, Slot is left with just one senior centre-back available, captain Virgil van Dijk. Andy Robertson’s availability is a boost after reported talks over a move to Tottenham collapsed, but it may still require improvisation across the back line, with Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley sidelined.
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Federico Chiesa remains a doubt, described as having a “50/50” chance of featuring last weekend but ultimately missing out. Qarabag, by contrast, appear close to full strength. Camilo Duran stands out, the Colombian having scored four goals in seven Champions League appearances.
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Prediction shaped by class and caution
Liverpool’s form and fitness issues have dragged confidence down, and pressure on Slot is growing. Yet this fixture presents a chance to reassert control. Qarabag’s attacking threat is real, but their away record has been uneven, scoring just once in their last two road games despite a surprise win at Benfica earlier in the campaign.
Liverpool’s makeshift defence may wobble, but their quality higher up the pitch should still be decisive. The opportunity is there to secure progress and restore some calm.
Prediction: Liverpool to win, 2-0.
First meeting adds unfamiliar edge
This will be the first competitive meeting between Liverpool and Qarabag, a reminder of how European expansion continues to throw unfamiliar challenges into the calendar. For Liverpool, familiarity would be welcome. A straightforward win would do more than advance them, it would steady a season in need of balance.
Category: General Sports
