Liverpool v Rangers: Predicted Reds XI for all-British clash

Rangers travel south of the border to Anfield on Tuesday evening, to face a Liverpool side that have been far from at their best during the opening weeks of the season. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just two of their seven league matches so far this term, and were also beaten 4-1 in their Champions League opener against Napoli last month.

The Reds currently sit second in Group A, while their Scottish counterparts are bottom having lost both of their first two matches.

Here, we take a look at the XI that Klopp may select for the game against Rangers.

Goalkeeper

Brazilian ‘keeper Alisson conceded three times against Brighton on Saturday as the two sides drew 3-3 at Anfield, meaning he has now conceded 14 goals across all competitions so far this term. The Brazil international remains Klopp’s first choice, though, and will start against Rangers ahead of Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been criticised heavily for his performances this season, especially against Napoli, Manchester United and in the draw on Saturday. The England international was snubbed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate during the last international break, too, but looks set to continue at right-back in the absence of any other options for Klopp.

Alexander-Arnold has failed to impress so far this season

At the heart of defence, Virgil van Dijk will start and likely be partnered by Joel Matip. The pair started together on Saturday but didn’t cover themselves in glory. Ibrahima Konate remains a doubt.

At left-back, Andy Robertson remains a doubt and could once again miss out, allowing Kostas Tsimikas a second successive start. The Greek international has impressed whenever called upon this season, while the same can’t be said for Robertson, who will be gutted to miss out on the chance to play a Scottish side.

Midfielders

Fabinho started the draw with The Seagulls at the weekend but may be rested for this encounter, with Harvey Elliott most likely to take his place. The youngster will play further forward than his Brazilian teammate, and has been in superb form this season. He could be joined by Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara, both of whom also started last time out.

Elliott could return to the starting line up

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains sidelined through injury, alongside Naby Keita and Curtis Jones.

Forwards

Klopp has plenty to think about up front, with Roberto Firmino having netted twice in their last game to continue his fine start to the season. The Brazilian has five goals and three assists already this term, but may make way for Diogo Jota, who has started just once this campaign since returning from injury.

Thiago and Jota could both be in line for a start against Rangers

Fabio Carvalho, who also started against Brighton, may be forced to the bench to make way for Luis Diaz, who started as a substitute last time.

Mohamed Salah, who has started all ten of Liverpool’s games across all competitions this season but has only scored four times, will start and be hopeful of adding to his tally against a Rangers side that have conceded seven in two Champions League games and 16 across all competitions this season.

Darwin Nunez could once again be on the bench.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Elliott, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Diaz