Liverpool’s final league phase match in the Champions League pits them against Qarabag, and although Arne Slot hinted at fatigue, there are doubts over how far his trust will extend.
Liverpool can decide their own fate for progression to the knockouts on Wednesday evening as a win guarantees a place in the last 16, irrespective of results elsewhere.
The loss over the weekend has seen frustration boil over once more, and Slot is under constant pressure not only to avoid defeat but to start performing consistently.
There remains mixed injury news for the Reds, and despite Slot’s message of fatigue after the loss at Bournemouth, changes are likely to remain minimal at Anfield.
Let’s take a look.
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Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs. Qarabag
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (L) and Dominik Szoboszlai line-up before the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is a balance to be had for Slot when it comes to naming a side that does not put too many of his versatile players at risk.
For that reason, Wataru Endo is the likeliest option at centre-back after Slot conceded his best-suited option to sit alongside Virgil van Dijk is a midfielder.
Andy Robertson could then start at left-back after Slot revealed Milos Kerkez‘s fitness was managed at Bournemouth.
Curtis Jones is one of few players with fresh legs and ought to be trusted in midfield, albeit that a yellow card will lead to a suspension in the first knockout match.
Hugo Ekitike will come into consideration, but if Slot is looking ahead to Newcastle‘s visit, he may seek to continue to manage the Frenchman and instead have Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo lead the line:
Alisson; Frimpong, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo
If Slot was to extend his trust, he would turn to Rio Ngumoha on the left wing for the teenager’s first start in the Champions League.
He outworked Gakpo in his brief cameo at Bournemouth and is deserving of the opportunity, not to mention a left winger was not signed in the summer so as to not block his pathway.
We would not mind seeing that trust extend to Trey Nyoni but that feels unlikely, thus we could see a midfield combination of Ryan Gravenberch, Jones and Alexis Mac Allister.
With Salah retained, this could then see Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz named on the bench, affording the pair a break before Newcastle‘s visit on Saturday evening:
Alisson; Frimpong, Endo, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Ngumoha, Ekitike
As abovementioned, mass rotation is not likely from Slot as he seeks to bounce back from the weekend’s defeat and secure a place in the last 16, but there could be up to five changes.
Qarabag will make the trek with plenty to play for themselves as they are precariously placed above the elimination zone and could be at risk if they do not win at Anfield.
They will also have fresh legs after changing their entire lineup over the weekend, and if there was anything to learn from PSV’s visit, it is not to underestimate them.