As the Champions League league phase reaches its dramatic crescendo tonight, Anfield welcomes a new face in Azerbaijani champions FK Qarabag. For Arne Slot’s Reds, the objective is crystal clear: win and secure an automatic spot in the Round of 16. After the weekend’s frustrating 3-2 slip-up at Bournemouth, tonight is about restoration, momentum, and bypassing the dreaded February play-off round.
The Defensive Puzzle
The narrative surrounding this fixture is dominated by a selection crisis at the back. With Joe Gomez sidelined and Ibrahima Konate still on compassionate leave, Slot is forced into a tactical shuffle. Wataru Endo is expected to deputise at centre-half alongside Virgil van Dijk – a makeshift pairing that will need to stay alert against a Qarabag side that has scored in six of their seven European outings this term.
Attacking Firepower
While the defence is thin, the attack remains formidable. Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and the in-form Florian Wirtz are set to lead the charge. Liverpool’s European form has been their sanctuary this season, with clinical victories over Real Madrid and Inter Milan still fresh in the memory.
The Opposition
Qarabag aren’t here to make up the numbers. Gurban Gurbanov’s men are giant-killers by nature, recently upsetting Eintracht Frankfurt and managing a draw with Chelsea. They sit 18th in the table and are desperate for a result to clinch their own play-off spot. However, Anfield on a European night is a different beast entirely.
