Liverpool vs Qarabag live: Slot under pressure as injury-hit hosts seek Champions League progress | OneFootball

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An injury-hit Liverpool are looking to book their spot in the round of 16 of the Champions League as they host Qarabag in their final league phase fixture.

With all fixtures on this matchday kicking off simultaneously, it could be a chaotic night of European action, but Liverpool are in control of their own fate. Arne Slot’s side know a win will be enough to ensure they avoid the two-legged play-off round, which would be welcome with a hectic schedule beginning to take its toll on the squad. Alternative solutions will have to be found at centre-back with Joe Gomez joining the list of injury absentees in the last few days.

Defeat to Bournemouth has left Slot under renewed pressure but the Champions League has provided relief before this season. Some of Liverpool’s best performances of the campaign have come in this competition — but Qarabag, who begin the evening 18th in the league phase table, have their own qualification hopes to play for and could make this a nervy night.

What Liverpool's rivals need

Newcastle

To the 13-pointers we go, and Newcastle are one of three English teams to be sat on the precarious tally. The Magpies start the day in seventh, above six of the eight teams on 13 points thanks to their superior goal difference of 10, but that will likely go in vain if they fail to get a result away to Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain - who are on identical points and goal difference to Eddie Howe’s side. Simply put, Newcastle will need to match or better the results of the other clubs in that cohort, and hope their goal difference is enough to carry them through to the last 16. Otherwise, the play-offs await.

Chelsea

Chelsea find themselves in a similar boat to Newcastle, though goal difference is playing less to their advantage. Just inside the top eight with a goal difference of six, they face reigning Serie A champions Napoli on the final matchday, who themselves face a boom or bust scenario. Napoli are at risk of becoming the highest-profile elimination from the league phase and need at least a point to ensure they make the play-offs. Antonio Conte, returning to Stamford Bridge, will therefore be expected to throw everything at the Blues, which could be detrimental to their top-eight pursuit. Just like Newcastle, Chelsea need to match or better the results of the other 13-pointers.

Man City

While also on the “unlucky for some” points tally of 13, last week’s shock defeat at Bodo/Glimt means Manchester City are far from certain for a top-eight finish. In 11th, they are the only English team starting the day outside of the last 16 qualification berths, while their goal difference of four is inferior to most of the 13-pointers. Hosting a Galatasaray side that dispatched Liverpool earlier in the campaign, Pep Guardiola may need to guide his team to a high-scoring win to avoid the play-offs, with a draw likely insufficient.

Team news

Qarabag are without the injured Kady Borges and striker Ramil Sheydayev, who is ineligible, but are otherwise able to field a full strength squad.

Chris Wilson28 January 2026 17:06