Gio van Bronckhorst’s team to take on Liverpool at Ibrox tonight has been confirmed with a surprise of sorts in the form of starts for Fashion Sakala and Scott Arfield whilst Antonio Colak gets the nod up front.
The selection indicates a 4-3-3 variation for the Gers with some flexibility expected as usual.
Rangers team is as follows:
Confirmed Rangers line-up v Liverpool – McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Arfield, Kent, Sakala, Colak
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) October 12, 2022
McGregor – Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic – Lundstram, Jack, Arfield – Kent, Colak, Sakala.
On the bench for Rangers is:
McLaughlin, McCrorie, Ridvan, Davis, Devine, Sands, Morelos, Tillman, King, Matondo, Wright.
Response
The challenge is set for the team to rise to the occasion as well as reacting to this disappointment of last week at Anfield when they just didn’t do themselves justice.
Yes, there was an element of limitation that had to be deployed but the scoreline flattered Rangers. Only for poor finishing and an inspired McGregor performance, there would have been no complaints over a deficit of four or five.
It was the last ten minutes before Rangers threatened and that has to change tonight. From the off, there needs to be an urgency and aggression in the play, backed up quality. A big onus is on the midfield of Lundstram, Jack and Arfield to show energy and engage their opponents more than eight days ago.
In attack, Kent and Sakala must take the fight to Jurgen Klopp’s team with service to be provided if Colak is to be productive.
The fans won’t be found wanting so it is up to the team on the pitch to respond and use that advantage to propel them.
Tonight’s #RANLIV line-up 📋
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 12, 2022
The Reds have been pushed toward some changes as a result of injuries as well as further Premier League demands looming on the horizon.