Michael Owen gave an assessment of Rangers outside chances of securing a result against Liverpool but he also spoke of a “cheating” option that the visitors can use to their benefit.
The analogy makes sense when explained as he basically means Rangers have to take advantage of one of the Reds weak links, which also happens to be a major attacking strength – in the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
At right full-back, there are some parallels with the role and style of Alexander-Arnold in the same vein of James Tavernier for Rangers in that overall, both give greater impact to their respective teams going forward.
This subject was discussed by Owen as reported by the Daily Mail:
“One of Liverpool’s biggest strengths can also be one of their biggest weaknesses. Ryan Kent will obviously know that. I’m sure he still watches Liverpool and there will be a huge part of him that is fond of the club.”
“If you are an opposing manager you are looking for a player to make those out-to-in runs, especially if Trent vacates. Liverpool have a lot of the ball at Anfield so Trent is going to be sucked into those advanced positions. If Rangers can win it and be brave enough to leave Kent in almost cheating positions, they could counter-attack with a bit of force.”
Form
There is some speculation on whether it will be TAA or Joe Gomez lining up for Liverpool on the right hand side of the defence. Both players can be exploited, with Brighton’s three goals on Saturday providing the most recent example of Klopp’s team’s collective fragility at present.
In return, they can and will counter that with their attacking power so it will be very interesting to see what tweaks Gio van Bronckhorst makes to his set-up on the night.
Ryan Kent should be fired up on this big occasion at the club where he came through the youth ranks. Likely to be playing just off the main striker, he will get moments on the ball of his own with a chance to pounce regardless of the deficiencies of the opposition.