Charlie Nicholas is giving Rangers a chance at Anfield, as long as they can blunt Liverpool's razor sharp attack.
Jurgen Klopp's side will be firm favourites to win tonight's Champions League Group A encounter on Merseyside with the Gers still seeking their first points of the campaign after heavy defeats to Ajax and Napoli. However, the 20-time English Premier League champions have stuttered domestically, winning just two of their opening league games.
One of those however, was a 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth an Anfield. When Klopp's men are it, there are few teams in the world that can live with them in full flow, which is why Nicholas is urging Gio van Bronckhorst to go with safety in numbers and pack his defence. Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino know where the goals are and mega-money summer signing Darwin Nunez has proved a handful on the European stage with Benfica.
But Nicholas reckons the middle of the park is where Rangers can have some joy. Skipper Jordan Henderson is influential but isn't pinpointed as a dangerman, while James Milner is in the twilight of his career.
He wrote in his Daily Express column: "There aren't many people out there who'd give Rangers a chance against Liverpool at Anfield, but I'm one of them.
"The Light Blues have done well in Europe in recent seasons by having a concise plan and you can be sure Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have looked at every scenario that might unfold in tonight's Champions League showdown. Liverpool are going through an awkward spell and Rangers can frustrate them.
"The Reds midfield is a mixture of new and old, and it has been better. James Milner and Jordan Henderson are not the most creative, so Rangers have an opportunity in those areas. That is why van Bronckhorst should go with a back five. They must ask questions of full-backs Kostas Tsimikas - currently deputising for the injured Andy Robertson - and Trent Alexander- Arnold high up the pitch.
"This Liverpool team may not be playing well but they could score three or four goals in 20 minutes with their pace and movement in attack.They can be clinical and Rangers must have a plan to suffocate that, especially with the lack of speed in their defence.
"Mo Salah may not have caught fire this season, but Rangers need to be wary of Roberto Firmino. He is a really clever player and can tease opponents into spaces they don't want to go in to.
"That will be a problem. Van Bronckhorst is a really bright coach and has handled the pressure at Ibrox very well. He has got Alfredo Morelos knuckling down again. The Colombian was back on the scoresheet last weekend against Hearts but he doesn't deserve to start up front ahead of Antonio Colak, and Van Bronckhorst has recognised that. Colak looks a very good finisher.
"Regardless of the outcome this evening, it won't be a one-sided match. Rangers will make life awkward for Liverpool."
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