Liverpool vs Qarabag FK brings an important UEFA Champions League night to Anfield on Wednesday, January 28.
This group stage match is the first meeting between the two sides, which adds extra interest for fans following UCL fixtures.
Liverpool is pushing for a top-eight finish in the Champions League standings, while Qarabag FK is battling to keep its knockout stage hopes alive in this high-stakes European clash.
Liverpool vs Qarabag FK: High Stakes for Both Sides
Liverpool need to get at least a draw to secure a direct spot in the knockout round of the Champions League.
Defeat would be enough to take them into the play-offs, based on the results of other teams in the league phase.
Recently, the Reds have gone through a difficult period of games as their unbeaten streak of 13 games was spoiled by a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.
The situation for Qarabag is even more strained. A win is the main aim, which would then guarantee them a place in the knockout stages. A draw will see them fighting for a place in the knockouts via the play-offs, and a loss may even send them out of the competition.
They had a good run of momentum with five consecutive wins before lowly Kapaz defeated them 2-0 in the Azerbaijan Premier League
Liverpool’s front line of Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz will pose numerous problems to the Qarabag defence, with the Reds’ midfield maestro, Dominik Szoboszlai, in fine form in the UEFA Champions League.
Qarabag, coached by Gurban Gurbanov, plays with discipline. The team stays compact and looks to counterattack. Camilo Duran leads the front line, while their rapid wingers utilise the space of the flanks to find balls into the box.
Anfield’s atmosphere favours Liverpool, but this stage has produced surprises and one error can change the outcome.
Arne Slot’s Defensive Headache And Tactical Shift
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a significant injury crisis as the likes of Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, Stefan Bajetic, Alexander Isak, and Joe Gomez are all out, with Ibrahima Konate not available due to a family bereavement.
This means Slot has to get creative with his lineup.
He confirmed plans to play a midfielder at centre-back for the Qarabag match and a January transfer for a defender is unlikely. This defensive scramble adds a layer of intrigue to an already important game for Liverpool.
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Qarabag’s Full Strength And Key Threat
Qarabag arrives at Anfield fully fit. The squad has no reported injuries or suspensions. Their manager can deploy his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation without compromise and this setup relies heavily on striker Duran.
The Colombian has scored four Champions League goals this season as he bagged two against Frankfurt, one against Benfica, and another against Ajax.
His ability to find the net is a clear threat. Qarabag’s recent form included five wins in a row, before that loss to Kapaz in the league, so they’re not invincible, but they’re organised and carry a definite attacking punch.
Liverpool vs Qarabag FK: Matchday Details And How To Watch
Main Photo
Credit: Robbie Hoad/Every Second Media
Recording Date: 09.12.2025
