Prediction: Liverpool vs Rangers

Verdict: Liverpool win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to try and find a Champions League boost on Tuesday night, Liverpool will welcome Scottish giants Rangers to Anfield.

Liverpool

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from September’s international break with another worrying display, it is fair to say that Liverpool find themselves in the midst of a rather public struggle. Eventually playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw at home against Brighton at Anfield, it appears there is some growing pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s shoulders. While the European heavyweights might have opened the 2022/23 campaign with their sights set on mounting another domestic title charge, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is desperate for his side to try and find some stability. Picking up just a single victory from any of their last four matchups across all formats, Liverpool have also shown some rather glaring issues at the back. Hit with a stunning 4-1 hammering away at Napoli when opening this year’s Champions League adventure on September 7th, Klopp’s struggling squad have recorded just a pair of clean sheets so far this season.

Team News

Still dealing with a knee issue, Scotland skipper Andy Robertson looks set to once again miss out on Tuesday night. Kostas Tsimikas is likely to retain his spot at left-back here.

Likewise, despite returning to training last week, central defender Ibrahima Konate is not likely to feature in midweek. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also still dealing with long-term injury issues.

Rangers

As for the visitors, while Rangers might have shown their own downbeat issues prior to September’s international break, the Blues should be boosted by a rampant return to action. Last seen over the weekend picking up some perfect momentum as they cruised their way to a 4-0 romp away at Hearts, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men have claimed back-to-back Premiership victories since the middle of August. However, despite booking their Champions League group stage return earlier in the year, Rangers have really failed to find any kind of European boost so far. Along with opening their Group A adventure with a 4-0 drumming away at Ajax, they were also hit with a 3-0 defeat at home against Napoli on September 14th. Yet to pick up a point and knowing that they face a real uphill struggle if they’re to find a shock path to the knockout stage, the ex-Feyenoord boss will know that his side face another tough test at Anfield in midweek.

Team News

Rangers will be unable to call upon James Sands on Tuesday night as the 22-year-old serves a one-match suspension. One-time Liverpool defender Ben Davies should partner Connor Goldson at the back.

Likewise, the former Scottish champions will be without the likes of John Souttar, Tom Lawrence, Filip Helander, Jon McLaughlin, Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe here.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 3-3 draw against Brighton over the weekend, Liverpool have managed to win just one of their last four matchups across all formats.
• Tuesday’s hosts have also recorded just a pair of clean sheets since opening the 2022/23 campaign.
• Rangers have lost their opening two Champions League appearances by an aggregate score of 7-0.
• The former Scottish champions have also recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six matchups across all formats.
• Four of Liverpool’s opening five fixtures at Anfield this season have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Liverpool might be tipped as a landslide pick with the bookmakers here, it is no secret that Klopp’s superstars are in the midst of a rather public struggle. Marking their return from September’s international break with a thrilling 3-3 draw at home against Brighton last weekend, the former Premier League champions have also shown some rather glaring issues at the back. Picking up just a pair of clean sheets since opening the 2022/23 campaign, Liverpool will be desperate to find a real European boost on Tuesday night. Coming up against a Rangers side who have lost their opening two Group A appearances by an aggregate score of 7-0, neutrals will be hoping for another lively affair here. While we do expect Klopp’s men to make a return to winning ways in midweek, we could see chances at both ends.

Verdict: Liverpool win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Unibet