LFC NEWS

Liverpool player walking Champions League suspension tightrope in fresh selection headache

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 1 hour 4 min ago
Arne Slot faces a conundrum in how to set out his Liverpool line-up for Wednesday's climactic clash against Qarabag
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Liverpool player walking Champions League suspension tightrope in fresh selection headache

icLiverpool.co.uk - 1 hour 4 min ago
Arne Slot faces a conundrum in how to set out his Liverpool line-up for Wednesday's climactic clash against Qarabag
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Liverpool Champions League permutations – What's needed to qualify, what each position gets Reds

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Liverpool play host to Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday evening as they look to secure their place in the competition's round of 16, but nothing is guaranteed ahead of the clash
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Stan Collymore names Liverpool's best summer signing – and partnership still to be unleashed

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Former Liverpool record signing Stan Collymore speaks exclusively to the ECHO about his former club's big summer transfers
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Liverpool transfer window managed by AI as Federico Chiesa quits and Adam Wharton joins

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Liverpool may feel they have work to do on transfer deadline day if they want to make absolutely certain of Champions League qualification
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Liverpool Champions League permutations – What's needed to qualify, what each position gets Reds

icLiverpool.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Liverpool play host to Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday evening as they look to secure their place in the competition's round of 16, but nothing is guaranteed ahead of the clash
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Stan Collymore names Liverpool's best summer signing – and partnership still to be unleashed

icLiverpool.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Former Liverpool record signing Stan Collymore speaks exclusively to the ECHO about his former club's big summer transfers
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Liverpool transfer window managed by AI as Federico Chiesa quits and Adam Wharton joins

icLiverpool.co.uk - 1 hour 34 min ago
Liverpool may feel they have work to do on transfer deadline day if they want to make absolutely certain of Champions League qualification
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What next for Arne Slot after FSG backing as turbulent Liverpool season hangs in balance

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 2 hours 34 min ago
The ECHO's Liverpool FC reporters assess the state of play over head coach Arne Slot and his Anfield future
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What next for Arne Slot after FSG backing as turbulent Liverpool season hangs in balance

icLiverpool.co.uk - 2 hours 34 min ago
The ECHO's Liverpool FC reporters assess the state of play over head coach Arne Slot and his Anfield future
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'If people knew' - Arne Slot explains Liverpool decisions as transfer gamble backfires

LiverpoolEcho.co.uk - 6 hours 34 min ago
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot previews the crucial Champions League clash against Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday
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'If people knew' - Arne Slot explains Liverpool decisions as transfer gamble backfires

icLiverpool.co.uk - 6 hours 34 min ago
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot previews the crucial Champions League clash against Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday
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Andy Robertson showed true colors with response to Tottenham transfer breaking down

Liverpool.com - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 20:58
Andy Robertson's proposed move to Tottenham this month looks to be off, but the Liverpool left-back has been showing his class with his response to the transfer breaking down

James Findlater Content Editor

20:58, 27 Jan 2026Updated 21:00, 27 Jan 2026

 (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andy Robertson of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on January 27, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Andy Robertson looks set to stay at Liverpool this month despite talks with Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson may have to settle for a backup role at Liverpool now that his move to Tottenham looks to be off, but the Reds’ vice captain is still showing plenty of class despite the difficult situation he finds himself in.

Robertson has been linked with a switch to north London this month, with Spurs said to have brought forward their plans to sign him as a free agent in the summer.

It has emerged this week, though, that Liverpool looks set to retain his services until the end of the season, with Arne Slot taking no chances given the injury problems his side is facing in defense.

READ MORE: Liverpool news as Arne Slot favorite to be next Premier League manager firedREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold ignored Jurgen Klopp warning as Real Madrid future in doubt

Robertson has made no secret of his desire to play more games, but with Milos Kerkez now established as the new left-back at Anfield, a move away would seem to be his best hope of gaining a regular starting spot.

Still, the Scotland international seems to be showing his current club plenty of respect. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, although the terms of Robertson’s move to Tottenham have been agreed in principle, the 31-year-old is not in any rush to leave Liverpool.

It’s claimed that Robertson will only give the green light to the move if the Reds can bring in a replacement in time before the January transfer window closes in just less than a week.

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Kostas Tsimikas would appear to be the obvious solution in that case, but Liverpool has struggled to get the Greek international back, with no recall clause having been inserted in his loan at Roma.

The Italian side will reportedly only sanction Tsimikas’ exit if they can find another left-back themselves. A bid was rejected by Wolves for David Moller Wolfe earlier this week, and other options are being explored.

Robertson and Liverpool are said to be relaxed about the situation, though, and the veteran defender, who signed for the Reds back in 2017, has been noted for his professionalism after being told that his move to Tottenham is not on as things stand.

It is suggested, though, that should Roma find a left-back, a move to Spurs could be back on, despite Slot indicating that he expects Robertson to stay put.

Arne Slot expects Andy Robertson to stay at Liverpool this month

Arne Slot expects Robertson to stay at Liverpool this month(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)

Article continues below

"Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening and he's been part of this squad, of this club for so many years,” Slot said on Tuesday ahead of the Champions League clash with Qarabag.

“Happy to have him, good that he's available because that's something that's quite important for us at the moment – to have players available. Yeah, he will be part of the team and nothing happened from my side."

Asked whether Robertson will definitely stay this month, Slot replied: "It's hard to say anything definitive in this world we are in, but I expect him to stay, yes."

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Every word Arne Slot said on Andy Robertson, Qarabag and Liverpool's season aim

Liverpool.com - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 19:59
Arne Slot spoke on all things Liverpool ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Qarabag, with the Dutchman quizzed on his side's disappointing Premier League form

James Findlater Content Editor

19:59, 27 Jan 2026

Arne Slot arrives ahead of his press conference before Liverpool's game against Qarabag

Arne Slot arrives ahead of his press conference before Liverpool's game against Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be hoping the Champions League can once again offer him some respite amid his side’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.

The Reds host Qarabag in their final league phase encounter on Wednesday, knowing that a place in the last-16 is within touching distance. But while things are looking bright in Europe, the same can’t be said in the league.

Another defeat at the weekend at Bournemouth means Liverpool has dropped out of the top four, and turned up the heat on Slot after taking just four points from the last five games, with the title defense hitting a new low.

READ MORE: Liverpool news as Arne Slot favorite to be next Premier League manager firedREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold ignored Jurgen Klopp warning as Real Madrid future in doubt

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool’s differing fortunes in the league and Europe were brought up as Slot spoke to the media on Tuesday, as well as a number of other topics. Here’s what the Reds’ boss had to say during his pre-match press conference…

Any timeline on Joe Gomez's injury?

"Not really. But I can confirm that he is not available for tomorrow. I expect him back in a relatively short period of time."

On Ibrahima Konate

"Of course I spoke to him and if you know why he is not here, of course we both know that he is having a hard time. I’m hoping and expecting him back soon, but also not for tomorrow evening’s game."

On Andy Robertson's future

"Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening and he's been part of this squad, of this club for so many years. Happy to have him, good that he's available because that's something that's quite important for us at the moment – to have players available. Yeah, he will be part of the team and nothing happened from my side."

Is Robertson definitely staying this window?

"It's hard to say anything definitive in this world we are in, but I expect him to stay, yes."

On dealing with the outside noise

"I think it's going to be really difficult to quieten the outside noise with the position we are in in the league. Even if we win a few games, every loss or every disappointing result will start the noise coming back again.

"That's what you expect if you started the season as we did, not started but at a certain moment with so many losses. But it's impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league. What we have to improve, for me it's so simple.

Andy Robertson has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this month

Andy Robertson has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this month(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

"I think in between the boxes we are a very, very, very good team. The way we play out from the back, the way we bring the ball towards promising positions, the box entries we have, also against Bournemouth so many times we were in positions where I would like my players to be in.

"But killing those moments, bringing it from promising positions towards chances and if we have the chances then be clinical and finish it off – that is something where we have to improve. So, in the box we have to improve.

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"And in the other box, other teams arrive there three, four times a game [and] too many times if they arrive it leads to chances and sometimes to goals. So, there's an imbalance in how many times we arrive in promising positions and how many teams arrive there – but there's not an imbalance in the goals that are scored, and that's a very bad cocktail we are having.

"If we can improve in both boxes, we can do very special things this season. If we can only improve in one box then it's probably going to be an acceptable season but not more than that. And if we can't improve in both boxes, [there is] going to be a lot of noise throughout the whole season."

On managing his players' workload

"That's not a worry but that's a difficulty. Because I can assure you that I would have preferred to start with Hugo [Ekitike] against Bournemouth. If we probably would have had one or two days extra, he would have 100 per cent started that game again because I liked his performance against Marseille.

"But he was out with an injury for two weeks and then he had to play quite a lot of games. And with only one No.9 available for the upcoming months, it made sense to me to manage his load as well, and that is what I had to do with more players.

Joe Gomez is the latest player to be ruled out for Liverpool

Joe Gomez is the latest player to be ruled out for Liverpool(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

"Jeremie Frimpong, who was sitting here just before me, is another example of that. Giving him another time 90 [minutes], I think you could see that he was tired just before I took him off, at least that was my take on it, and then it's a big risk to keep him on. But I want to emphasize how much respect I have for the players that we have, because it's almost constantly the same players that have to play and they have to do this in difficult circumstances.

"What I mean with that is results are not what we want and we get scrutinised – we all are scrutinised – and we get the criticism that we deserve. But usually if you get so much criticism, that does something to you mentally and if you then have to play so many minutes, I can give you multiple examples of players then getting injured. So, that's why I have so much respect for my players, that within the circumstances that we are in, they are constantly available – except for the three or four long-term injuries we have."

On squad depth

“Even if you would reconsider and come to a different decision, then the question is are we able to change it? Can we make this squad bigger with the money available and the things we can do?

“But last season showed, although I think we were maybe one or two players short compared to last season in terms of numbers, if you then add three long-term injuries to that, then all of a sudden it’s quite a lot.

“Again, this is not going to be a popular opinion what I’m going to tell you now, but maybe the reason why we won the league last season is that we had to play Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.

Liverpool dropped out of the top four after defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend

Liverpool dropped out of the top four after defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend(Image: 2026 CameraSport)

“As you know, they beat us, and we had every time a week to prepare for the next game. Maybe that has helped us as well, maybe if we had to double up that programme, which Arsenal had, and they dropped a few points in that period of time, that has helped us in winning the league.

“We are aware, every manager is aware, the bigger squad you have, the better equipped you are for so many games, but I’m also aware of the fact that, even today, I had to disappoint one or two players that would prefer to play.

“Now, if you have 10 or 15 that want that, that’s also not a good thing to have, so it’s not an easy balance to find, but obvious because of the three long-term injuries now, it’s a disbalance.”

What is an 'acceptable' season?

"When you are Liverpool, the aim is to win the league. We’ve only done this twice in the last 30 years. The aim is to be competitive in every single competition we are in. That’s always the aim but the reality is that in the last three years, we’ve won one League Cup and one Premier League title.

"What is acceptable? I have my opinion but I’m not going to share that. The outside world has an opinion. As we all know, a lot has been said about the £450M (spent in summer) but people tend to forget the £300M we bought in. So, I have my own opinion about what is acceptable but I’m not going to share that."

On preparing for Qarabag

"It's always the individuals and the players that make things difficult. In terms of playing style, they are very direct, fast players, go very direct towards goal with a lot of runs in behind, players who are comfortable on the ball.

"They've shown this season against big clubs – because there are only big clubs in the Champions League – that they are a very good team and a hard team to beat. Even [against] Chelsea they were able to keep them to 2-2.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives instructions to Wataru Endo

Arne Slot may have to call upon Wataru Endo at center-back(Image: Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

"I think even if you look at our Champions League campaign this season, some teams maybe have been lucky enough to face the ones that are now all outside the next round from 24th to 34th place. I think there's only one team from those 10 that we faced.

"We've had a lot of strong teams to face and we did really well. But maybe two days afterwards when we had to play in the league that brought us some problems because we've played so many strong teams in Europe."

On Wataru Endo's return

"He's been out with an injury for quite a long time, he had to play against Bournemouth [for] quite a long time and now, tomorrow, there's a game coming up and then three days later another game [is] coming up.

"As I also said, that's not the only way I decide on my line-up – tactics are involved in that as well. It is for sure at center-back tomorrow there will not be a center-back, I can only play a midfielder there because there are no center-backs available.

"Apart from Virgil [van Dijk], who is one of the players I credit a lot for him being fit all the time. At his age, constantly being ready to play another 90 is something we should not take for granted.

"Coming back on what is 'acceptable' for me, I can say if we improve in both boxes I think we're able to win something this season, and if we only improve in one box it is going to be really difficult to win something this season."

Article continues belowCould Dominik Szoboszlai play at right-back again?

"As I said, I consider him for every position almost! We will wait and see. Jeremie Frimpong is there to play as a full-back but he can also play as a winger. But on the right wing I also have Mo Salah.

"So, I have two options for the right wing to play and one option with Jeremie as a right full-back, but if we include Dom or Curtis [Jones] then all of a sudden I have three options to play at right-back. But, we both agree on the fact that he's best playing in the midfield – and the two of us definitely agree on that, Dominik and me!"

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Slot Confirms Defensive Crisis: No Senior Center-Backs Available for Qarabag

LFC Globe - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 19:38

Arne Slot had an interesting press conference ahead of the Reds' Champions League match with Qarabag. He lamented the amount of games being played and how it leads to injuries, addressed the “noise” around the club and talked about the challenge Qarabag will be.

An Unpopular Opinion

Slot says one of the main reasons Liverpool are struggling in the EPL is their participation in the Champions League.

“I know this is an unpopular opinion, but one of the main reasons we won the league last year is we lost to PSG, and we had a week to rest and prepare for league games. Arsenal did not have that, and they dropped points. This year, it seems we also drop points or lose after a Champions League win, and then you have players playing so many minutes. We want to be playing Champions League football, but you have to find a balance. You could see it against Bournemouth. Players were tired, and we gave up a late goal. Every loss, the noise around the club gets louder, and that is fair. We are Liverpool. We are expected to compete for the league every year.”

Team News

Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will miss the match.

“For sure, at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back. “I can only play a midfielder as there are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil [Van Dijk]," he said. “I have to adapt with the system or players in different positions. This doesn't help with the narrative; I am completely aware of that. It is a difficult balance. Before people say I don't listen to medical staff, I am listening, but sometimes I make my own decisions. I speak to my players, I know how they feel, and if they are ready, I take that all into account. If you don't know the information, it is easy to criticise."

A Good Team

Even though Qarabag have never beaten an English side, they did earn a draw against Chelsea earlier in the competition.

“Everybody in the Champions League is a big team,” Slot said. In terms of playing style, they are very direct, fast players with runs in behind. They are comfortable on the ball and a hard team to beat.” 

LFC Globe Verdict

It will be interesting to see what the lineup will be, particularly in the back. Slot has already admitted that he will have no centre-back except for Virgil van Dijk. With such a direct team like Qarabag, it could test the defence even more. The key is to hold possession and take advantage of the Reds' skill advantage higher up the pitch.

Where To Watch Match InfoUK BroadcastUS BroadcastCanada BroadcastKick-off8:00 PM GMT 8:00  PM ET 8:00 PM ETTV ChannelTNT SportsTUDN (Spanish Broadcast)FuboTVLive StreamDiscovery +Paramount+FuboTV Canada

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool 'cannot cope' in 3 areas in damning Arne Slot verdict

Liverpool.com - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 19:29
Liverpool is in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for next season after slipping to sixth in the Premier League table under struggling boss Arne Slot

19:29, 27 Jan 2026Updated 19:29, 27 Jan 2026

Jamie Carragher is concerned about Liverpool

Jamie Carragher is concerned about Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher thinks Arne Slot's Liverpool players are struggling to cope with set pieces, counter-attacking soccer, and low blocks.

Liverpool icon Carragher delivered his damning verdict following the team's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. The Reds fought back from two goals down on the south coast, only for Cherries winger Amine Adli to score a last-minute winner from a throw-in.

The result leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League table, two points behind a resurgent Manchester United in fourth. More worryingly, the Reds, who convincingly won the Premier League title last season, are just three points above Sunderland in 11th.

READ MORE: Arne Slot makes 'difficult' Liverpool squad admission after unfair scrutinyREAD MORE: Arne Slot shares Andy Robertson transfer belief after Tottenham deal called off

Carragher was asked about the pressure Slot is under during an appearance on Monday Night Football. He said: "I think some of the criticism and the disrespect he's had from supporters is far too much, considering they won the league title last season.

"But if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, he doesn't have a leg to stand on. Liverpool... can accept they are not going to win the league or challenge this year. We accept it: not good enough, but we accept it.

"Once you start seeing what Manchester United have done in the last couple of weeks, once you start seeing Chelsea, and you see where Liverpool could finish outside the Champions League positions, I really fear for them."

Arne Slot is under pressure at Anfield

Arne Slot is under pressure at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

United and Chelsea have both just won back-to-back league games after appointing a new manager. Michael Carrick has replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, while Liam Rosenior has succeeded Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

Carragher added: "Once you start fearing Champions League qualification for next season, that's when you have a completely different proposition when you are talking about the manager's job.

"Not making the Champions League as (defending Premier League) champions, spending £450 million ($620 million) and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League - which is the biggest determining factor normally about where you finish in the league - I think you have serious questions to ask."

Carragher then made his cannot cope argument. He continued: "The real worry I have for Liverpool in actually qualifying for the Champions League is if I think of the three big things you come up against in the Premier League, it's set-pieces and long throws.

"It's counter-attacking football for and against, and if you are a top team like Liverpool, it's coming up against low blocks - Liverpool can't cope with any of them. We are seeing a team not suited to the Premier League.

Article continues below

"When we see them in Europe, are set-pieces and long throws as important? No. Is counter-attacking important? It is always important, but not as much in Europe, and no one plays a low block in Europe, so it suits Liverpool.

"They can beat Real Madrid, they can go away to Inter Milan and win, they can go away and win at Marseille, get into the top eight, and into the knockout round. I don't think this team is equipped for the Premier League."

The Reds can make sure of a top-eight finish in the Champions League when they face Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday. They are back in Premier League action on Saturday, when Eddie Howe and Newcastle travel to Merseyside.

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Arne Slot: “I have opinion on what’s acceptable but I’m not going to share”

ThisIsAnfield.com - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 18:30

Arne Slot has referenced Liverpool only winning the league twice in the last 30 years when asked about what he deems an acceptable season.

“When you are Liverpool, the aim is to win the league, but we only did this twice in the last 30 years,” Slot said when asked what he thinks constitutes an “acceptable” season.

Most fans would argue that, given the Reds were champions last season, at least competing for the league and going deep into most competitions, if not winning silverware, should have been the lowest aim.

Slot was vague when asked what he thinks Liverpool should be achieving, saying: “We want to be competitive in every single competition we are in – that’s always the aim – but reality is also in the last three years, we’ve won one League Cup and one Premier League title.

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“So when is things acceptable? I have my opinion about it. I’m not going to share that.

“[The] outside world has its opinion about that. As we all know, a lot’s been said about the £450 million [spent in the summer], but people tend to forget the £300 million we brought in.

“So yeah, I have my opinion about what is acceptable but I’m not going to share that.”

While the Premier League title won’t be won this year, Liverpool can still make the top four, a feat that should be the bare minimum for the champions.

Liverpool’s European form has been better, however, with the Reds currently fourth from 36 in the league phase.

Where Arne Slot thinks Liverpool need to improve

 Liverpool's Cody Gakpo reacts after missing a chance during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield. Man Utd won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Slot thinks the season is still salvageable, but only if his team improve at either end of the pitch.

The head coach said: “There’s a complete disbalance in how many times we arrive in promising positions and how many times other teams arrive there (in the box).

“But there is not a disbalance in the goals that are scored, and that’s a very bad cocktail we are having. And if we can improve in both boxes, we can do very special things this season.

“If we can only improve in one box, then it’s probably going to be an acceptable season but not more than that, and if we can’t improve in both boxes, there’s going to be a lot of noise throughout the whole season.”

The truth is, if Liverpool don’t improve in both boxes, they may not qualify for next season’s Champions League and it could cost the Dutchman his job.

While some of what Slot says is true, Liverpool have been poor in both boxes, it is also hard to ignore the ample space Bournemouth had to be able to run through the Reds’ midfield at the weekend.

That suggests that far more is wrong than tweaks in the penalty areas. However, given the relative weakness of the league, it wouldn’t require all of their problems to be fixed for Liverpool to finish in the top four.

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Liverpool vs. Qarabag: Predicted XI, Injury News & How to Watch

ThisIsAnfield.com - Tue, 01/27/2026 - 18:00

Liverpool host Qarabag in the Champions League as the Reds aim to secure a top-eight finish in their final league phase match of the campaign.

Liverpool vs. Qarabag

Champions League (8) | Anfield
January 28, 2026 | 8pm (GMT)

The Champions League has been a source of relief for Liverpool this season as they have jolted from methodical to disorderly in their various competitions.

There is only one objective on Wednesday and that is qualification in the top eight, a feat only guaranteed by beating Qarabag.

Liverpool team news

Liverpool will be without Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez after neither of them trained with the squad on Tuesday.

Konate missed Liverpool’s last two games due to the death of his father, while Joe Gomez went off injured on Saturday having clashed with Alisson as they attempted to prevent Bournemouth‘s first goal.

Arne Slot did have Chiesa back, though, after the attacker got injured in the warm-up before playing Marseille, which led to him missing the trip to Bournemouth.

Liverpool Predicted XI

 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Konate and Gomez absent, Liverpool are expected to play Wataru Endo at centre-half alongside Virgil van Dijk, with Jeremie Frimpong on the right and Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson at left-back.

In midfield, Curtis Jones has been a substitute for the last two matches, so he could come back in as Alexis Mac Allister makes way.

Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike is also expected to return to the starting XI, having only been on the bench against Bournemouth.

Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike

How Liverpool can finish in the top eight Champions League Table: Who can still finish in the top 8 Pos Club GD Pts 1 Arsenal (Q) +18 21 2 Bayern Munich (Q) +13 18 3 Real Madrid +11 15 4 Liverpool +6 15 5 Tottenham +8 14 6 PSG +10 13 7 Newcastle +10 13 8 Chelsea +6 13 9 Barcelona +5 13 10 Sporting CP +5 13 11 Man City +4 13 12 Atlético Madrid +3 13 13 Atalanta +1 13 14 Inter Milan +6 12 15 Juventus +4 12

(Q) – Already qualified for the last 16.

Liverpool have already secured qualification from the league phase, but a finish in the top eight, which would mean skipping the play-off round and going straight into the last 16, isn’t yet confirmed.

Heading into the final matchday, Liverpool are fourth with 15 points and a goal difference of six. A win would guarantee passage to the round of 16.

If Liverpool were to draw, there are eight different teams that could realistically go above the Reds. If Liverpool were to lose, there are 11 teams that could go above them.

Put simply, a draw could just get Slot’s side over the line; a loss could see Liverpool drop out of the top eight.

Qarabag’s form Qarabag Form: Last 5 Games
Fixture Result Score Kapaz (H) L 0-2 Eintracht Frankfurt (H) W 3-2 Gabala (A) W 2-1 Sabah (A) L 1-2 Araz-Naxcivan (H) W 5-1

While they may be minnows in comparison to the European behemoth of Liverpool, Qarabag have been quietly performing well in the Champions League this season.

With 10 points from seven matches, they have beaten Benfica, Copenhagen and Frankfurt this season, as well as Shelbourne, Shkendija and Ferencvaros in qualifying.

They did suffer a surprise 2-0 loss at home to Kapaz in the Azerbaijan top flight at the weekend, but they made 11 changes, so the result shouldn’t have a bearing on Wednesday’s match.

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 A vgeneral view of Anfield with the Liverpool skyline in the distance pictured after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

By playing against Qarabag, Liverpool will now have faced a club in Europe whose name starts with 25 of the 26 letters of the alphabet. The exception is now only the letter ‘X’!

The Azerbaijani side will make the longest journey of any team ever to make a visit to Anfield for a competitive game against Liverpool – a trip of some 2,583 miles.

Liverpool have won 13 of the last 14 Champions League group/league phase games played at home; the last group loss at Anfield came in 2009 against Fiorentina.

Arne Slot: “Andy Robertson is part of the team”

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Liverpool have ended talks with Tottenham for now over the sale of Andy Robertson due to Roma reportedly not being willing to send fellow left-back Kostas Tsimikas back to Liverpool without a replacement.

Slot now says he expects Robertson to stay, explaining: “Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening [against Qarabag], and he has been part of this squad and this club for so many years.

“Happy to have him, good that he’s available because that’s quite important for us at the moment! He will be part of the team and nothing happened from my side.

“It’s hard to say anything definitive in this world, but I expect him to stay, yes.”

Who is the referee for Liverpool vs. Qarabag?

 Referee Ivan Kruzliak during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group K match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium. England won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool vs. Qarabag will be refereed by Ivan Kruzliak from Slovakia, with assistance on the sidelines from compatriots Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor, while Peter Kralovic acts as fourth official.

Meanwhile, Dutch official Pol van Boekel is on video assistant referee duties and will be assisted by Jan Boterberg from Belgium.

Referee Kruzliak has taken charge of Liverpool three times before, the Reds winning all three, the last being at home vs. Genk in 2019.

When is the next round of the Champions League?

 Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai walking out before the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at the Stade Vélodrome. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The play-off round legs will take place either side of a trip to Nottingham Forest, with the first leg on February 17 or 18 and the second on February 24 or 25.

If Liverpool finish in the top eight, they’ll go straight through to the round of 16.

The first leg of a last-16 tie will take place on March 10 or 11, and the return leg will be on March 17 or 18. Falling between those games is a home match against Tottenham.

Follow the match with TIA

Liverpool vs. Qarabag is live on TNT Sports 2 with kickoff at 8pm (GMT).

TIA’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 7.15pm, with Henry Jackson tasked with keeping you entertained and up-to-date.

Come on you Reds!

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