Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are set to host Qarabag FK at Anfield on Wednesday for their final Champions League group-stage match, needing a win to secure automatic progression to the round of 16 and avoid the playoffs.
Arne Slot’s side currently sit fourth in the group with 12 points from five games, two clear of ninth-placed Barcelona, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Marseille in their last European outing.
Despite a recent 3-2 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth that ended a 13-game unbeaten run and raised fresh questions over Slot’s future amid a winless start to 2026 domestically, the Reds have largely maintained their strong European form, with only setbacks against PSV and Galatasaray marring an otherwise solid campaign.
Qarabag arrive in confident spirits after a thrilling 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt that kept their playoff hopes alive, but they face a daunting challenge at Anfield.
After midweek, Liverpool will shift focus back to the Premier League, hosting Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday night. Newcastle face a major injury setback, with Eddie Howe confirming midfielder Joelinton could be out for several weeks following a groin injury sustained in their 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.
He will also miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash with PSG. The Magpies have struggled with injuries recently, particularly in defence, and face a tough run with six of their next seven games away, including matches against PSG, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.
“Joe won’t make the game,” Eddie Howe told reporters before the PSG match. “He’s had a scan, we don’t think it’s a bad injury, but he’ll possibly be out for a few weeks.
“He’s going to see another opinion just to make sure we’re on the right lines with that. So although he won’t be out for a long time, he’ll miss a few games just because we’ve got so many fixtures.” Liverpool won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in August.
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