FAIRY-TALE TEAM QARABAG EYE HISTORIC WIN OVER DEPLETED LIVERPOOL

AZERBAIJANI club Qarabag have never won a match against English opposition in eight attempts.

But when coach Gurban Gurbanov’s dreamers take the field at Anfield to face Liverpool in the Champions League at 10pm on Wednesday, they do so full of believe that they can finally snap daai droogte.

The reason for their optimism has got nothing to do with their hosts’ troubles, but because Qarabag are enjoying a fairytale season.

After beating Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 on Matchday 7, they find themselves in 18th place after three wins.

Looking to make it to the playoffs, Gurbanov said of their challenge at Anfield for a first-ever meeting with Liverpool: “We’ll go to Liverpool with great confidence. Playing there is tough for any team. We’re facing one of the most decorated clubs in England. I’ll ask my players not to be afraid and to fight to the end.

“Their fans are very aggressive and combative. I believe that my players will at least continue in England what they showed [against Eintracht].”

Qarabag’s confidence could be a problem for a Reds team that may have to make do without Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, leaving coach Arne Slot short on defensive options for the final league-phase fixture.

Konate had missed the previous two matches and was initially expected to be available after being in France on compassionate leave following the death of his father.

Gomez is now also a doubt after being forced off in the first half in their shock 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.

Victory for Liverpool will guarantee automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, while a draw could also be enough.

Wednesday's selected Champions League fixtures:

Arsenal v Kairat, Barcelona v Copenhagen, Benfica v Real, Eintracht v Tottenham, City v Galatasaray, Napoli v Chelsea, PSV v Bayern, PSG v Newcastle (all 10pm)