AJAX
IN a squad littered with impressive names, one will clearly stand out for Rangers as Calvin Bassey prepares to return to Ibrox just months after his record-breaking move to Amsterdam.
The defender will be able to provide new boss Alfred Schreuder – who replaced Erik ten Hag this summer – with the inside track on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side as the top seeds in the section seek to replicate their remarkable run to the semi-finals three years ago.
The famous Johan Cruyff Arena will provide quite the backdrop as Van Bronckhorst returns to his homeland once again and it will be another special tie for the Dutchman on the back of the win over PSV Eindhoven.
The likes of Maarten Stekelenburg, Dušan Tadić and Daley Blind provide the experience in a squad that have a perfect Eredivisie record so far this term and winger Anthony – repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer – is one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents on the continent.
Ajax pipped PSV to the title in the last term of ten Hag’s tenure and are favourites to defend their crown this time around. If Rangers can take anything from the Dutch giants, it will be up there with any result achieved under Van Bronckhorst’s guidance.
LIVERPOOL
THE Reds require no introduction. It has been a difficult start to the season for Jurgen Klopp’s side but they will provide Rangers with arguably the toughest tests of Group A.
The acquisition of Darwen Nunez from Benfica this summer has added further firepower to an attacking line that already includes Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz and shacking such an array of talent will be quite the task.
Ibrox will be a cauldron for the Battle of Britain clash and the trip to Anfield will surely inspire Van Bronckhorst’s side as they seek to upset the odds and give themselves a shot at a place in the knock-out rounds.
Former Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk and Scotland captain Andy Robertson will return to Glasgow and Liverpool will surely have found their form ahead of the Rangers clashes after draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace and the defeat to Manchester United so far this term.
Beaten finalists in Paris last season, the Champions League will once again be a key target for Klopp and Liverpool won’t fear an intriguing section that will no doubt be a memorable occasion for former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard.
NAPOLI
Napoli and Liverpool have become familiar with each other in recent times and this will be their third group stage pairing in quick succession after also being drawn together in 2018/19 and 2019/20. The Italians have won two and drawn one of those ties and are one of the toughest teams that could have been picked from Pot Three.
Given the strength of Ajax and Liverpool, it is The Blues – under the tutelage of former Roma and Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti – that Rangers will target as their best chance of putting points on the board.
It is likely to be between Van Bronckhorst’s side and Napoli for the third spot in the group and the parachute into the Europa League and the Ibrox fixture in particular will be key in the section.
The return game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona – the ground that was renamed in honour of the Argentinian legend two years ago – will be a fierce occasion on and off the park.
Right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo is the star man for Napoli at present but thumping Serie A wins over Hellas Verona and Monza have seen nine goals scored and are proof of the attacking talent within Spalletti’s ranks.
