Liverpool’s journey into the most decisive phase of the season has been far from smooth. A damaging 3–2 defeat away to Bournemouth on Saturday night brought an abrupt end to their impressive 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
That setback also underlined a worrying trend in the Premier League. The Reds have collected just four points from their last five league matches and have managed only five victories in their previous 18 outings overall. Such a run has dealt a significant blow to Liverpool’s ambition of securing a top-four finish.
With pressure mounting, Arne Slot’s side must now shift their attention quickly. Liverpool are set to host Qarabag in the early hours of Thursday (local time), knowing that victory would all but confirm their place in the Champions League last-16—or even the top-eight, depending on other results.
Squad Fatigue and Growing Fitness Concerns
Signs of physical exhaustion were clearly visible during the closing stages against Bournemouth. Several Liverpool players struggled to maintain intensity late in the match, highlighting the toll of a congested January schedule in which Slot has largely relied on the same core group.
Liverpool finished the match with six players unavailable due to injury or other issues, while concerns remain over Joe Gomez. The defender was forced off in the first half after colliding with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and his availability remains uncertain.
If Ibrahima Konaté continues to be absent for humanitarian reasons and Gomez is ruled out, Slot may be left with limited options at the back. Wataru Endo could be required to start alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence, with academy prospect Wellity Lucky likely named among the substitutes.
Goalkeeping Decisions and Defensive Rotation
Slot confirmed that Alisson played through discomfort despite swelling in his knee. The Brazilian goalkeeper is scheduled for further assessment ahead of Wednesday’s training session. Should Alisson fail to recover in time, Giorgi Mamardashvili is ready to step in, while Freddie Woodman would serve as the third-choice option.
At right-back, Liverpool’s depth has also been stretched. Conor Bradley is sidelined for the remainder of the season, leaving Jeremie Frimpong as the only senior specialist in that position. Frimpong was substituted early in the second half against Bournemouth due to fatigue, forcing Dominik Szoboszlai to finish the match out of position.
Tactical Tweaks and Salah’s Dilemma
Slot opted for a 4-2-2-2 formation from the start last weekend, but a switch back to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 system is being considered for the Qarabag clash. Despite that possibility, the midfield structure is expected to remain largely unchanged.
In attack, Liverpool’s lack of clear-cut chances has raised concerns. Hugo Ekitike is widely expected to return to the starting XI after showing signs of sharpness and movement.
The bigger question lies in who partners him. Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating performance against Bournemouth and now faces competition from Cody Gakpo. Meanwhile, the presence of Florian Wirtz adds further pressure, opening the door for potential rotation or a reshaped attacking role from the bench.
As Liverpool prepare for a pivotal European night at Anfield, Arne Slot must find solutions quickly. With injuries mounting, form dipping, and expectations still high, the Qarabag match could prove decisive not just for their Champions League campaign, but for the momentum of their entire season.
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