Liverpool stand on the brink of securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages as they prepare to welcome Qarabag to Anfield this Wednesday evening. With a victory, Arne Slot's side would clinch one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the last sixteen, adding urgency to this European encounter.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The pivotal Champions League group stage fixture is scheduled for Wednesday 28 January 2026, with the match kicking off at 8pm GMT at Liverpool's iconic Anfield stadium. For supporters in the United Kingdom, comprehensive live coverage will be available.
How to Watch the Game Live
Television coverage begins at 6.30pm on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate, offering pre-match analysis and build-up. Additionally, the match can be streamed live via the discovery+ service. Access to TNT Sports through discovery+ requires a subscription, currently priced at £30.99 per month.
Team News and Injury Concerns
Liverpool approach this match with several selection headaches following their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. Defender Joe Gomez is a major doubt after a collision with goalkeeper Alisson potentially resulted in a head injury. In a sad development, centre-back Ibrahima Konate may also be absent following the passing of his father.
The Reds' injury list includes long-term absentees Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Alexander Isak. Forward Federico Chiesa remains a doubt after missing the previous two fixtures with a knock. On a positive note, Andy Robertson is available for selection after a proposed transfer to Tottenham Hotspur collapsed.
Qarabag travel to Merseyside without injured midfielder Kady Borges and striker Ramil Sheydayev, who is ineligible. Otherwise, the Azerbaijani champions are expected to field a full-strength squad.
Context and Recent Form
Liverpool's European campaign has shown promise, with a commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille in their last Champions League outing featuring goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo. However, their thirteen-game unbeaten run ended abruptly against Bournemouth, and their previous Champions League home match resulted in a disappointing 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
Currently sitting fourth in their group, Liverpool require a win against bottom-placed Qarabag to guarantee progression. This adds significant pressure on manager Arne Slot, whose position has come under scrutiny following recent inconsistent results.
Predicted Starting Line-ups
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Endo; Gakpo, Mac Allister, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Qarabag predicted XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Jankovic, Bicalho; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
This Champions League clash promises high stakes for Liverpool as they aim to secure qualification and regain momentum after a turbulent period. With key players potentially missing and pressure mounting on the manager, the Anfield atmosphere is set to be electric for this crucial European night.
