Liverpool Set to Clash with Qarabag: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool look to guarantee their progression to the Champions League round of 16 when they welcome Qarabağ for their final league phase match on Wednesday evening.
The Merseyside club found themselves in a familiar domestic struggle over the weekend, suffering a heartbreaking 3–2 loss at Bournemouth in stoppage time, extending their winless Premier League run to five matches, though Arne Slot's team have delivered their finest displays in European competition this season.
Their impressive 3–0 triumph at Marseille last week elevated Liverpool to fourth place in the league phase table, meaning a win would secure a top-eight position and guarantee direct qualification to the round of 16 while avoiding the playoff round.
Should Liverpool draw or lose, they'll need favorable results from other matches to automatically advance to the knockout stage, and considering their recent struggles, Qarabağ's visit presents a genuine test.
The Azerbaijan representatives have emerged as the competition's biggest surprise and are battling for a playoff spot after claiming three victories and one draw from their seven fixtures. They've defeated Benfica, Copenhagen and Eintracht Frankfurt this campaign, while also earning points against Chelsea. They'll be eager to cause an upset at Anfield.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this pivotal Champions League encounter.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Qarabag Kick Off?
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Qarabag Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Qarabag Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool vs. Qarabag Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Liverpool and Qarabağ.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Qarabağ |
|---|---|
Bournemouth 3–2 Liverpool - 24/1/26 | Qarabağ 0–2 Kapaz - 24/1/26 |
Marseille 0–3 Liverpool - 21/1/26 | Qarabağ 3–2 Eintracht Frankfurt - 21/1/26 |
Liverpool 1–1 Burnley - 17/1/26 | Qabala 1–2 Qarabağ - 21/12/25 |
Liverpool 4–1 Barnsley - 12/01/26 | Sabah 2–1 Qarabağ - 18/12/25 |
Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool - 08/01/26 | Qarabağ 5–1 Araz - 14/12/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Qarabag on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Qarabag on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | Paramount+, ViX |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool encountered another injury blow over the weekend when Joe Gomez was forced off after a heavy clash with Alisson. The defender will miss the Qarabağ fixture, leaving the Reds depleted in defense with Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the campaign and Ibrahima Konaté also unavailable following his father's passing.
Wataru Endo was deployed as a makeshift defensive option off the bench against Bournemouth, with Liverpool still hesitant to enter the transfer window, and Slot looks set to rely on the Japanese midfielder once more.
Conor Bradley remains unavailable in defense and won't return this season, while Alexander Isak continues his recovery from a fractured leg. Federico Chiesa has been absent for the previous two matches due to injury and remains doubtful for the Qarabağ clash.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag
Liverpool expected lineup vs. Qarabağ (4-2-2-2): Alisson; Frimpong, Endo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitiké.
Qarabag Team News
Qarabag Team News
Qurban Qurbanov faces just one significant injury worry, with Brazilian striker Kady Borges sidelined since their 2–2 stalemate with Chelsea in November. Ramil Sheydayev is also ruled out for selection.
Qarabağ rotated heavily for their weekend loss to Kapaz in domestic league action, ensuring their first-choice lineup should be fresh for this crucial meeting with Liverpool.
Qarabag Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Qarabag Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Qarabağ expected lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarquliyev; Bicalho, Janković; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Durán.
Liverpool vs. Qarabag Score Prediction
Liverpool vs. Qarabag Score Prediction
Liverpool remain a puzzling proposition as the pressure mounts on Slot. A win against Qarabağ is crucial not just for reaching the round of 16, but to silence growing criticism.
The Reds will enjoy home support for this vital European fixture, but having suffered a 4–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield this season and struggling with personnel issues, Wednesday won't be straightforward.
Qarabağ have netted just one goal fewer than Liverpool in the league phase and will believe they can exploit a weakened defensive unit. Nevertheless, the Reds should possess sufficient attacking quality to secure victory.