Liverpool turn their attention to Europe on Tuesday when they host Rangers at Anfield in their third Champions League group-stage fixture.
The Reds’ preparation for the upcoming Champions League fixture didn’t go well as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday. The result against Brighton at the weekend saw them lose further ground to league leaders Arsenal.
Nonetheless, Jurgen Klopp’s team will be in a determined mood heading into the midweek fixture having beaten Ajax 2-1 at home before the international break.
Ibrahima Konate returned to full training earlier this week after recovering from a knee problem, and while he was not in the Liverpool matchday squad to face Brighton, the defender is expected to be on the bench against Rangers.
Andrew Robertson is doubtful due to a knee problem, while Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Calvin Ramsay remain out.
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker will retain his place in goal and look to keep a clean sheet in midweek, having shipped three goals against Brighton at the weekend.
Defence
At the back, Liverpool have notable problems and Klopp needs to solve them quickly. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are struggling with form, while Kostas Tsimikas is not at the same level to that as Andy Robertson.
Yet, Klopp is expected to keep his faith and motivate them to get back their form. This means Van Dijk will continue partnering Joel Matip in central defence in the Liverpool lineup, with Tsimikas and Alexander-Arnold operating from full-back positions.
The Reds will be boosted with the return of Ibrahima Konate as the France international has recovered from his knee problem and is set to be in the matchday squad.
Midfield
The first shuffle comes in the centre of the pitch, with young Harvey Elliot widely expected to replace Jordan Henderson to add more energy and flair. Elliot will join Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara in the midfield unit of the Liverpool lineup, as the troika look to dominate the ball and win duels in the middle of the park against Rangers.
Veterans James Milner and Jordan Henderson will be backup options on the bench.
Attack
Klopp made a surprising call by handing Fabio Carvalho a start against Brighton on Saturday. Carvalho failed to repay his manager’s faith and was replaced at half-time as the Reds trailed 2-1.
Luis Diaz is expected to get a recall into the Liverpool lineup. He will replace Carvalho on the left flank, with Mohamed Salah a permanent fixture on the right. Roberto Firmino has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise flat campaign for Liverpool so far, and with the form he is in, it would be unfair to look past him in attack.
Darwin Nunez will again have to be content with a role on the bench.
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