Champions League: Liverpool VS Rangers preview: Head-to-head, probable lineup, prediction

In the opening game of the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool suffered a humiliating loss to Napoli. However, they rebounded with a 2-1 victory over Ajax in their final European match. They'll travel to Anfield this week to take on Rangers, hoping to build on their previous win.

Liverpool has been quite susceptible, and they enter this matchup on the heels of a 3-3 tie against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

Rangers are currently at the bottom of the group, having failed to win a single match in the group stage. However, they will be aware of Liverpool's inconsistencies this season and be eager to cause an upset.

Rangers have had a difficult time adjusting to life back in the Champions League, but they have made a lot of noise in Europe over the past several years by picking up impressive successes away from home.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are out to show themselves. Although the club's recent achievements in Europe have been highly excellent, they are currently in last place in Group A after losing to Ajax and Napoli in a relatively subdued manner.

Liverpool and Rangers are meeting for the first time in any European competition. In all European tournaments, Rangers have only won one of their seven away games in England (D2 L4).

In November 1992, Mark Hateley and Ally McCoist scored in a 2-1 victory over Leeds United in the UEFA Champions League qualification phase.

The last time Liverpool faced Scottish opponents in the European Cup was in 1980-81 when they defeated Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen 5-0 on aggregate (1-0 away, 4-0 home). That year, the Reds went on to win the competition.

Liverpool predicted lineup

Liverpool has plenty of attacking alternatives for tonight's crucial Champions League group match against Rangers.

Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez are vying for starting positions as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team travels to Anfield for a highly anticipated all-British matchup.

All three came off the bench in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Brighton in the Premier League, with Diaz aiding Roberto Firmino's equaliser, and will aim for further playing time in an intense environment at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent form has been scrutinised, and he did not perform well against the Seagulls, but he is unlikely to lose his starting position.

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

Rangers predicted lineup

Tom Lawrence and John Souttar are out for Rangers until after the World Cup, but former Liverpool defender Ben Davies might face his former team. After training, Kemar Roofe strives to return to action, which would significantly boost.

For Rangers, the veteran Allan McGregor will start in goal. James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, and Borna Barisic will compose the defence's back four. Ben Davies will replace Sands as the left-sided centre-back in the back four.

Ryan Jack and John Lundstram are likely to start at the base of Rangers' midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Both players must disrupt the play and protect the back four.

Predicted lineup: McGregor, Tillman, Morelos, Kent, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Davis, Jack

Liverpool vs Rangers prediction

Neither club has performed well in the Champions League this season, but Liverpool is the superior side and will be under pressure to secure a win.

Liverpool should be able to play aggressively against Rangers, who lack the quality to compete effectively in Group A.

Final prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Rangers

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