The dreadful Premier League run continues for Liverpool who settled for a 3-3 draw against Brighton on Saturday afternoon. Although it will still be an uphill battle for Rangers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s juggernaut must capitalize on the Reds’ frailty in the defensive third.
Rangers were humbled by both Ajax and Napoli in the previous Champions League encounters. A defeat against Liverpool would potentially see them finish rock-bottom unless there is a massive turnaround in the reverse fixtures and the players, therefore, must deliver a spirited show at Anfield on Tuesday night. They must take inspiration from the Brighton game and threaten the Merseysiders against the run of play with their directness and wing play.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Liverpool
Defence
40-year-old Allan McGregor has reclaimed the ‘number 1’ status despite losing his place to Jon McLaughlin early into the campaign. A 4-0 victory against Hearts at Tynecastle should be a significant boost for the veteran Scotsman ahead of the Anfield test.
Ben Davies, the outcast Liverpool centre-half, joined the Gers this summer for regular minutes. He had his fitness woes of late but the Englishman was back in action versus the Jambos. With James Sands suspended following a red card against Napoli, Davies is expected to partner with Connor Goldson in the heart of the backline.
Injuries to John Souttar and Filip Helander should finally see him making his maiden Anfield appearance in such a dramatic manner. Skipper James Tavernier must exhibit his attacking expertise from the right-hand flank, and so is Borna Barisic who has impressed with his balanced approach as a left fullback.
Midfield
A double pivot of John Lundstram and Steven Davis should do the trick given their Premier League experience. Both of them have played against the Reds during their Sheffield United and Southampton days respectively and the struggling Liverpool midfield might undergo further misery if the pair do their job this midweek.
Ryan Kent, the former Reds academy ace, joined the Gers during Steven Gerrard’s regime. He was stunning against Hearts after a few underwhelming outings and his presence down the left might keep the hosts on their toes. Scott Arfield, the other ex-Premier League star, should be deployed from the right, also the versatility of Malik Tillman could see him switching positions with the veteran Canadian.
Attack
Antonio Colak has been majestic high up the pitch. He has fired in quite a few goals already and the gaffer must deploy him high up the pitch ahead of Alfredo Morelos. The latter, however, should be involved at some stage in the second half.
