Slot Faces Crucial Ekitike Decision as Liverpool Prepare for Qarabag Clash—Latest Injury Updates and Predicted Starting XI
Liverpool can clinch direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16 with a victory over Qarabağ in their concluding league stage match.
The Merseyside club has delivered their finest displays in European competition this campaign and will look to produce another triumphant evening beneath the Anfield lights on Wednesday. A win ensures a top-eight placement, but any dropped points would leave Liverpool dependent on other results.
Defeating Qarabağ won't be a simple task, as the Azerbaijani outfit sits 18th in the table and remains within reach of playoff qualification, while injuries and missing players present significant challenges for Arne Slot.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Liverpool will certainly be missing Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley in defense, both sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, and they may be accompanied by Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté on the unavailable list.
Gomez was substituted due to injury during Liverpool's 3–2 weekend loss to Bournemouth, while Konaté has been absent from the last two fixtures due to a family tragedy.
Federico Chiesa remains a major uncertainty, having been unavailable for the previous two matches, while Alexander Isak continues his absence in attack after suffering a leg fracture shortly before Christmas.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabağ (4-2-2-2)
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabağ (4-2-2-2)
GK: Alisson—Alisson must be frustrated with constantly being left vulnerable by a struggling defense, and even facing Qarabağ will likely mean another demanding night for him.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—The Dutch defender has provided a positive influence during a challenging period for the Reds and has served as a crucial attacking outlet—demonstrated in last week's 3–0 victory against Marseille.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Liverpool urgently require Konaté after Gomez's recent injury problem, though it's uncertain if the defender will be ready following his father's tragic death.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The 34-year-old's regression this season has been concerning, and Saturday's poor showing at the Vitality Stadium provided another indication of his declining form.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez had a disappointing return to the Vitality, being substituted at the interval after defensive errors helped Bournemouth extend their advantage. Better displays are needed midweek.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Liverpool's summer transfer activity overlooked their requirement for a new center-back and defensive midfielder, leaving Gravenberch to feature in nearly every match.
DM: Curtis Jones—Alexis Mac Allister delivered another disappointing performance against the Cherries and might be replaced by Jones, who at least brings energy to the midfield.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Among the few bright spots for Liverpool this season, the Hungarian did his utmost to minimize his team's embarrassment on the coast with an assist and his second free-kick strike in three days. It remained insufficient.
AM: Florian Wirtz—The German keeps displaying flashes of his talent and represents one of the limited creative sources in a Liverpool attack that's also struggling. The Reds require his brilliance against Qarabağ.
ST: Mohamed Salah—Despite a strong Africa Cup of Nations showing, Salah has struggled to perform since returning to Liverpool. Concerns about his form persist even though January transfer speculation has quieted.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Slot chose to rest Ekitiké for Cody Gakpo at Bournemouth. That decision backfired. The French striker will feature on Wednesday and will be hunting his first European strike since October.