It's been a tough start to the season for Liverpool, as they've won just two of their opening eight Premier League fixtures.
Jurgen Klopp's side are languishing in 10th and find themselves 14 points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. They've also struggled to find top gear in the Champions League - losing 4-1 to Napoli - and will be hoping to avoid a similar result against Rangers.
Liverpool take on the Scottish giants at Ibrox on Wednesday night. Rangers have lost all three of their Champions League group-stage fixtures so far this term and are keen to end that run against the Reds. Here are the latest headlines from Merseyside.
Klopp takes swipe at Hamann
Klopp was not interested in entertaining Dietmar Hamann's opinion on Tuesday evening. The former Liverpool midfielder recently suggested his old club lack a "spark" and questioned whether Klopp's seven-year spell in charge would continue for much longer.
When asked about Hamann's assessment at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, Klopp said: "Oh great. A fantastic source, well respected everywhere."
The reporter then highlighted Hamann's Liverpool links, to which Klopp replied: "That does not give you the right to say what you want especially when you have no idea. I actually think Didi Hamann does not deserve that you use his phrase to ask a question. Do me a favour and ask your own question. Try to ask without using the word spark."
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Speaking to talkSPORT, Hamann said: "This Liverpool team looks tired, they look pedestrian and they just look flat. I’m not sure where the spark is going to come."
Hamann went on to say: "I trust that they’ll know where the spark is going to come from but whether it’s the end of an era? I wouldn’t write them off, but my imagination doesn’t let me see where the spark is going to come from in the next few weeks."
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Henderson ready to play
Klopp has confirmed Jordan Henderson is available for Wednesday night's clash, despite being in the middle of an ongoing FA investigation. The midfielder was involved in an incident with Gabriel Magalhaes during Liverpool's 3-2 away defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
The Brazilian defender heard something on the pitch, which led to him confronting Henderson. The incident was included in referee Michael Oliver's match report and both sets of players are expected to be interviewed by the FA as part of their investigation.
When asked if Henderson is in the right frame of mind for the Rangers game, Klopp replied: "Yes."
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Liverpool's "long balls"
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst thinks Liverpool are difficult to play against due to their "long balls" and quick forwards.
He said at a press conference on Tuesday evening: "It's always important to keep focus but it will hectic because Liverpool's playing style is direct with long balls, runners and they have a lot of pace. "Mentally, we have to be strong and make sure we stay with 11 men."
Van Bronkhorst has also urged his players to pick up their first group-stage win against the Reds. He said: "Ideally we need 3 points against Liverpool. We have to see other results but we want to proceed in Europe when we play our last game at home against Ajax."
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram added: "I do think everyone feels we can get a result tomorrow. I don't think we'd field a team if we didn't feel that."
