RANGERS lock horns with Liverpool at Ibrox this evening as they look to keep alive their hopes of playing European football post-Christmas.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side prop up Champions League Group A with three defeats from their opening round of matches.

Our writers select their Rangers XIs to face the English Premier League giants.

Joshua Barrie

To get anything from today’s game Rangers will have to put Liverpool under more pressure than they did last week. And that intent should be reflected in the starting XI.

Allan McGregor will play behind the same defence that started at the weekend. Ben Davies and Connor Goldson have the attributes to form a strong defensive partnership and despite Ridvan Yilmaz showing from the bench how he can play the left-back role differently to Borna Barisic at the weekend, a third start of his Ibrox career seems unlikely to arrive this evening.

John Lundstram is a nailed-on fixture in the middle. He’ll want to put on a better showing than last week’s game at Anfield. Ryan Jack is likely to partner him and provide cover for the forward-thinking James Tavernier but with Glen Kamara a doubt, who plays at No.10? Malik Tillman endured a difficult night at Anfield but in his preferred position, could he put in a performance more like the showing in Eindhoven?

On the right, Fashion Sakala deserves to retain his spot. On the left, Ryan Kent needs to continue to play his way back into form. Up top, the decision is tricky. Despite Alfredo Morelos’ European pedigree, Antonio Colak’s goal return at the moment is too good to drop.

Starting XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Tillman, Sakala, Colak, Kent.

Rangers Review: Rangers Review NewsletterRangers Review Newsletter (Image: Rangers Review)

Derek Clark

There is genuine optimism that Rangers can achieve a positive result against a Liverpool side devoid of confidence but they need to be aggressive which they weren’t at Anfield.

Allan McGregor’s heroics kept the scoreline respectable last week and he’ll take his place between the sticks tonight. Let’s hope he isn’t called upon as often as he was in Merseyside.

The defence picks itself although it’s doubtful Giovanni van Bronckhorst will deploy a back five as we witnessed last week with Leon King likely to drop out.

John Lundstram and Ryan Jack will surely occupy the holding midfield roles and the onus will be on them to dictate the game as much as they possibly can. With Rangers needing at least a point, the forward line needs to step up and take the game to their opponents. Fashion Sakala did well when introduced at Anfield and he carried that form into Saturday’s win over St Mirren. The Zambian has to start at right wing with Ryan Kent likely to fill the left wing role.

That leaves the No.10 position up for grabs. I’d be tempted to start Scott Arfield who’ll provide energy and drive not to mention a goal threat with Antonio Colak leading the line. There is an argument to start Alfredo Morelos but given the Croatian is in blistering form in front of goal he simply has to start.

Starting XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Arfield, Sakala, Kent, Colak.