The UEFA Champions League returns this midweek, with Matchweek 3 of everyone's favorite European club competition kicking off on Tuesday. A number of top clubs will be in action on this day, including Liverpool, as the Premier League giants take on Rangers in what should be an interesting encounter due to the Reds' form.
Jurgen Klopp's men, who have been grabbing the headlines but for all the wrong reasons, head into this tie on the back of their 3-3 draw at home to Brighton in the Premier League. Despite taking on the Seagulls in the debut game for the opposition's new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, the Merseyside giants found themselves under tremendous pressure during that Saturday stalemate.
In fact, it was Brighton that went 2-0 up, with Trossard scoring a brace to shock the Anfield crowd. Robert Firmino scored twice not too long after to level the score line before a Webster own goal gave Liverpool a 3-2 lead and a dream of pulling off a comeback victory.
Unfortunately, Trossard scored late in the game to complete his hat-trick and nick a point, leaving Salah and Co. with only two wins from their first seven games in the Premier League.
Fortunately for Klopp's side, this UEFA Champions League tie will offer them a much-needed distraction, especially given that their next two opponents in the English top-flight are Arsenal and Man City. The Reds currently sit second in their group, three points behind Napoli, whom they lost to in the opening round. In their most recent European outing, the Merseyside giants took on Ajax and beat the Dutch giants 2-1, albeit only through a late winner.
Victory over Rangers is key due to one simple reason: given their tricky fixtures list, Klopp's men need to start regaining confidence as soon as possible. Will the English giants beat their Scottish opposition or does another frustrating result await?
Unfortunately for the away side, they enter this clash in the worst possible form. Rangers' European campaign so far has been disastrous, with the Scottish giants losing both of their opening two matches.
The Gers have conceded seven goals so far, losing 4-0 to Ajax in the opening round before suffering a similar humiliation against Napoli, losing 3-0 at home to the Italian heavyweights.
However, domestically, Van Bronckhorst's side have been great, with the visitors triumphing 4-0 over Hearts in their most recent Scottish Premiership outing.
Domestically, Rangers sit second in the table, and while a trip to Anfield will be a daunting task, Tavernier and Co. will be looking to capitalize on Liverpool's shaky form.
Team news
Liverpool: Andy Robertson is suffering a knee issue and will be targeting a return to the squad in the Arsenal showdown this weekend, thus ruling him out for this tie. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remained sidelined and while Konate has returned to training, the Frenchman will likely be eased back into the starting eleven.
Rangers: James Sands is suspended for this tie after receiving a red card in the defeat to Napoli, meaning former Liverpool center-back Ben Davies will partner John Lundstram and Connor Goldson in the defense. Meanwhile, Jon McLaughlin, Ianis Hagi, John Souttar, Tom Lawrence, Filip Helander, Nnamadi Ofoborth, and Kemar Roofe are all injured.
Key stats
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Rangers haven't scored in their last two UEFA Champions League outings.
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However, on the flip side, Liverpool have let in eight goals in their last three matches across all competitions.
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Additionally, Klopp's defense have already conceded five goals in Europe after only two matches.
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The Gers are winless in 25 of their last 28 UEFA Champions League games.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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