Champions League: Liverpool Look to Rout Rangers

Liverpool vs Rangers FC

Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their position in Group A of the Champions League when they host last-placed Rangers this midweek.

The Reds, who bounced back from their shock defeat to Napoli in their opening group game by beating Ajax 2-1 at Anfield, suffered another setback as they were held to a 3-3 draw at home to Brighton over the weekend.

Nevertheless, the Champions League 2022 betting odds will have Jurgen Klopp’s side as massive favourites to regroup and beat Rangers, who have been on the receiving end of heavy defeats in their first two games.

Talking Points

Liverpool issues still not solved

All is still not well at Liverpool. The Reds’ surprisingly inconsistent form this season continued as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Brighton upon returning from the international break.

Liverpool did well to come back from an early 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2, but they were unable to hold onto their advantage as a Virgil van Dijk error led to Leandro Trossard’s equalising goal.

van Dijk has been in unusually poor form this season. He has already conceded two penalties, one of which came in the shock 4-1 Champions League defeat at Napoli.

Meanwhile, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold had another disappointing display as major question marks remain about the Liverpool defence even with the return of Joel Matip and captain Jordan Henderson.

But despite their concerning form, both van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are likely to retain their places against Rangers.

Scottish left-back Andy Robertson is still out injured, though, and is unlikely to face the Scottish club. Aside from him, Liverpool have all of their first-choice players back, although Jurgen Klopp will likely rotate his side ahead of their big clash with Arsenal next weekend.

Roberto Firmino scored a brace against Brighton, but Darwin Nunez or the fit-again Diogo Jota are likely to come in for the Brazilian.

Meanwhile, Luis Diaz, who came on as a substitute and provided the assist for Firmino’s second goal, is also expected to take Fabio Carvalho’s starting spot.

Rangers getting outclassed in Champions League

Rangers are in real trouble. Last year’s beaten Europa League finalists remain without a point and a goal from two Champions League matches as they were completely outclassed by both Ajax (4-0) and Napoli (0-3). Another defeat at Anfield would effectively end any hope the Scottish side might have of qualifying for the next round.

Nevertheless, Giovanni van Bronkhorst’s men will head into Anfield with a bit of confidence after a 4-0 win over Hearts this past weekend. Antonio-Mirko Colak bagged a brace as he took his tally this season up to eight goals, while Ryan Kent had a goal and an assist.

This match against Liverpool will be particularly meaningful for the 25-year-old Kent, who came up in Liverpool’s youth system before moving to Rangers in 2019. He will be no doubt keen to produce some Champions League 2022 highlights against his old club at Anfield.

van Bronkhorst started Kent and Alfredo Morelos up front against Napoli, and he could do so again at Anfield. Morelos has yet to start a match in the Scottish Premier League this season, but he still has two goals in five appearances, including one against Hearts.

The 26-year-old has yet to score in the Champions League, but he has a great record in the Europa League, with 15 goals in 33 appearances. He had four goals in nine games during Rangers’ amazing run to the Europa League final last season.

History

Liverpool and Rangers, two of the biggest clubs in British football, have never previously faced off in a competitive fixture. Their only meeting of note came in a 2011 friendly. Rangers won 1-0 at Ibrox thanks to a goal from Lee McCulloch.

Rangers have won just one of their seven away games in England. That came in the 1992 Champions League qualifying phase as they beat Leeds United at Elland Road.

But they will have an uphill battle adding to that win as Liverpool have a tremendous record at Anfield. The Reds have won 13 of their last 15 home Champions League group stage matches, with one draw and one defeat.

Betting Tip

Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have Liverpool installed as massive 1.14 favourites to win at Anfield, while a Rangers upset is priced at an astronomical 15.00. A draw is 7.80.

Despite another disappointing result in the Premier League, Liverpool should be able to handle their business at home against a Rangers side that has been far from competitive in this year’s Champions League. But I don’t expect the scoreline to get completely out of hand. With Arsenal coming up on the weekend, Liverpool will not want to expend more energy than they need to, so look for the total to go under 3.50 goals.

 

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