Rabbi Matondo spoke like a man with confidence coursing through his veins ahead of Rangers’ Champions League trip to Liverpool on Tuesday. Few would have imagined, after a recent run of three successive defeats by an aggregate scoreline of 11-0, that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side could afford to go away to the six-time European champions with a famous result in their mind’s eye.
But with Liverpool’s malaise showing no sign of abating, it is not totally impossible that Rangers could breathe fresh life into their continental hopes at Anfield.
Here are three big reasons why Rangers could shock, and even beat Jurgen Klopp’s wearied Reds on their own turf
Ryan Kent vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Much has been made of Alexander-Arnold’s somewhat lackadaisical approach to the defensive side of the game of late. And Liverpool’s number 66 certainly can’t afford a repeat of recent displays when Ryan Kent, a former Anfield alumni, returns to his old stomping ground.
Kent is often Rangers’ most potent attacking weapon in European fixtures. If the opportunity arises, expect his rapid pace to expose Jurgen Klopp’s increasingly-divisive high line in transition too, especially given Alexander-Arnold’s tendency to push up and leave massive gaps in behind.
Kent comes into the game on the back of arguably his finest performance of the season; a wonderful individual goal in the 4-0 thumping of Hearts slathering a layer of tasty icing on top of an already mouth-watering cake.
Rabbi Matondo or Fashion Sakala, should they be chosen to start, could cause similar problems on the other flank.
Two strikers, two goalscorers
It speaks volumes about Antonio Colak’s form since arriving at Ibrox that Alfredo Morelos – the club’s long-serving talisman and their all-time record European goalscorer – cannot even be labelled guaranteed starter at Merseyside.
“It’s good to see different players scoring,” Van Bronckhorst said; Colak taking his tally to 11 goals in 14 games with a brace at Tynecastle. “Colak’s performance was very good. Apart from his goals, he’s important to us due to the energy he puts in the team.
“I’m really happy with him.”
Whoever Van Bronckhorst picks to lead the line – whether it be the poacher Colak or the more all-round rambunctiousness of Morelos – either one of Rangers’ centre-forward options will likely to cause plenty of problems for a Liverpool side who’s rickety defence was opened up time and again during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Brighton.
Hassling and harrying
Rangers lost 3-0 at home to Napoli in their last group-stage outing. But some context is required; the Serie A pacesetters picked the Gers off late on after James Sands’ red card changed the game. Until that fateful moment, the Scots went toe-to-toe with Napoli, the intensity that characterised their best European displays under Van Bronckhorst and predecessor Steven Gerrard back with a bang.
Emulate that kind of performance against Liverpool, with Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, John Lundstram or Malik Tilman snapping into tackles, and Klopp’s tired-looking side could be beaten at their own game. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have looked a shadow of their once-effervescent selves this season. Thiago Alcantara, meanwhile, could struggle to dictate proceedings if Rangers’ ferocious press works as planned.
“Liverpool looked very leggy, lethargic and tired,” Alan Shearer told Match of the Day after that Brighton thriller; his comments music to the ears of Rangers supporters.
“If it was a one-off (performance) you would sort of accept it. But it has happened a few times this season.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken some criticism for his defending and rightly so at times because it hasn’t been good enough. But others need to take responsibility; (Virgil) Van Dijk, Henderson, (Joel) Matip, Thiago, Mo Salah.
“We’re so used to looking at Liverpool and looking at the way they press with the high energy. There was none of that (against Brighton). Liverpool at times couldn’t cope with them. They should have been 4-0 down after half an hour.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
