Liverpool v Qarabag

Which Liverpool team will turn up today as minnows Qarabag look to add The Reds to their list of scalps. Can Qarabag get a result at Anfield?

UEFA Champions League – Anfield Wednesday 21:00 CET

Team News:

Liverpool will be without long termers RB Conor Bradley and FW Alexander Isak. CB Ibrahima Konate is a doubt due to family bereavement while back up CB Joe Gomez was taken off last match but is not definitely ruled out. If he misses out they have no cover so Gravenberch or Endo could slot alongside Van Dijk.

Qarabag rotated their entire eleven in their weekend Azerbaijan Premier League game (losing 2-0) to prepare for this one.  Brazilian attacker Kady Borges is out while Ramil Sheydayev is ineligible.

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Formations:

Liverpool have mixed up the formations in UCL and it generally involves the attackers. Baseline is always 4 at back with any combination in front of that to fit the players available and the opposition. 4-2-2-2 was the Marseille formation and it worked eventually as they romped to a 3-0 win.

Qarabag are 4-2-3-1 in every game and with 10 points from their 7 games they are in dreamland in their 1^st ever UCL group stage. They like to spring counter attacks from a solid base. Although not solid defensively they have some talented offense and can trouble a delicate Liverpool side.

Statistics:

Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (Average cards 5.04 Yellow 0.10 Red per game)

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Match Preview:

Liverpool again showed their fragility losing 3-2 to an injury ravaged Bournemouth side. That ended a 13-match unbeaten run that Liverpool had stumbled through having not played well for a while now. Liverpool seems far more suited to UCL this season. Having more time on the ball and less likely to feature a low block has suited the Reds. Qarabag can still qualify for the knockout stages which is unreal given that everyone had written them off after the draw. Wins over Benfica, Frankfurt and Copenhagen were deserved, and the Azerbaijanis will enjoy their visit to Anfield.

Betting Preview:

Odds are very low as you would expect as Liverpool take on the Azerbaijani champions. However, only 5 points separate the two sides after 7 games. Liverpool could qualify for the top 8 with a draw but its unlikely. They will be going for the win given the opposition. Qarabag are in 18^th and could qualify for the playoffs even if they lose but like Liverpool a lot of teams can overtake them with positive results.  Liverpool win and both score is a possibility here.