After a disappointing loss to Arsenal in Premier League action, Liverpool hopes that a visit to Scottish side Rangers in Champions League action will be just what the doctor ordered to cure the ills of the struggling Reds. Liverpool currently sits 10th in the EPL table, but they have played well of late in Champions League matches, sitting in second place in Group A.
Ibrahima Konate admits that there is some frustration in the squad at this point, but says they need to focus on Rangers, particularly since the match will be played inside the historic pitch at Ibrox.
“I think the start of this season, it [has not gone] very well and we did not expect that,” he said. now we have to think about the game in the Champions League“. The game will be at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium. I know the stadium has a very good atmosphere but we play football for that and we have to do a very good result for qualification for the next step.”
Talking Points vs Rangers
Unfortunately, one of the main concerns for Liverpool going into this match will be a familiar one: Injuries. Just when it looked as if the Reds were getting relatively healthy, Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered what manager Jürgen Klopp has classified as significant injuries. On a lighter note, Reds supporters will get to enjoy a bit of history when the match kicks off as it will be the Reds' first-ever visit to Ibrox, one of the oldest pitches still in use in world football. Liverpool is used to playing on historic grounds, however as Anfield is also a cathedral of world football so the pairing of the two venerable clubs has been a treat for fans and players alike.
Over Powering The Rangers
Liverpool played one of their best games of the season when they defeated Rangers 2-0 on October 11th. Alexander-Arnold scored in the 7th minute to get the home side off to a flying start while Mohamed Salah provided some breathing room with a strike from the penalty spot in the second half to account for the 2-0 final. Even though they have struggled in Champions League play so far, they are still a dangerous side. Croatian international Antonio-Mirko Čolak is adept at finding the back of the net as he has scored 10 goals in just 12 matches this season. They are also 7-1-1 inside the Scottish Premiership this season sitting 2nd in the league table. The Rangers are a team used to winning, so it's key that the Reds get off to another fast start, seizing momentum and taking the vocal supporters at Ibrox out of the match.
LFC Globe Verdict
The Rangers and the Reds have had polar opposite seasons thus far. While the Scottish giants have played well inside their league, Champions League has been a struggle. Meanwhile, Liverpool has put together some of its best play outside of the EPL this season while they continue to sink down the table due to poor play within the Premier League. It will be interesting to see who Klopp sends out in the Starting XI due to injuries, but I still expect Liverpool to come away with a relatively comfortable 3-1 win. Then maybe they can finally carry the momentum into EPL play.
Where To Watch
Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST and can be October 12th, and can be seen on BT Sport 2. In the United States, supporters can watch online via fuboTV or Paramount+ while a Spanish Language broadcast is available on Telemundo Deportes.
Check out the full list of Liverpool available streams.