Need to know
Liverpool will face Qarabag in their final league phase match of the Champions League this season
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool
Arne Slot will be looking to guide Liverpool to a win over Qarabag in the Champions League(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Crucial stakes for the last-16: Liverpool enter the final matchday in fourth place and need a victory to guarantee an automatic spot in the round of 16. A win would allow the Reds to bypass the two-legged play-off stage and focus on the Premier League and FA Cup.
Liverpool's contrast in form: While Arne Slot’s side has struggled in the Premier League recently - sitting in sixth after a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth - their European form remains formidable with five wins from seven games. They have been particularly dominant at Anfield, winning 17 of their last 20 home fixtures in the competition's group/league stages.
Historical first-time meeting: This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Liverpool and an Azerbaijani club in European competition. Qarabag, however, have a difficult history with English teams, remaining winless in their eight previous encounters with Premier League opposition.
Qarabag's knockout ambitions: Currently sitting 18th in the table with 10 points, Qarabag are fighting to secure their place in the play-off round. They come into this game with momentum after a thrilling 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool's defensive crisis: Arne Slot faces a massive selection headache with Virgil van Dijk as the only fully fit senior centre-back available. Ibrahima Konate (compassionate leave), Joe Gomez (hip), and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are all out, likely forcing midfielder Wataru Endo to deputise in defence.
Key absences and returns: Liverpool will also be without long-term absentees Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley, while Federico Chiesa remains a doubt despite returning to training. For Qarabag, Kevin Medina and Matheus Silva are both available but must play carefully as they are one booking away from suspension.
Opta and statistical predictions: Analysis suggests Liverpool are heavy favourites with over an 80% win probability despite their recent Premier League form. Opta-style models predict a high-scoring game given that Qarabag have scored in six of their seven Champions League games.
Final score forecast: Most experts are leaning toward a 2-1 or 3-1 Liverpool victory, expecting the Reds to concede due to their makeshift backline but ultimately outscore Qarabag. The primary goal threats are expected to be Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike, who have been Liverpool's most clinical finishers in Europe this season.