Rangers have everything to do in their final group game of the Europa League. The table is tight, and all four teams are in with a chance to go through at the moment. A win would definitely ensure passage to the knockout stages for Gerrard’s men when they take on Rapid Wien. The fixture seems winnable as the Bears got the better of their Austrian opponents 3-1 in the reverse fixture.
The Gers are coming on the back of a poor performance in the Premiership where they were unable to go past ten men Dundee. However, they have been resilient in Europe so far, and their fans would definitely expect a night to remember from their team.
Here are three things which Gerrard should do to ensure qualification into the next stage.
Drop Worrall, start with McAuley.
The defensive pair of Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson have mostly been preferred in the Europa League so far. But its clear that the duo doesn’t share the best of partnership on the pitch. Their lack of communication was once again on display in the game against Dundee, and even in previous group games, the duo have looked defensively vulnerable.
In a must-win game like this, Gerrard should turn to the experienced head of Gareth McAuley who has looked reliable. A team needs leaders in games of this magnitude and the 38-year-old should be the perfect man to partner Goldson. The veteran will also be a significant threat while attacking set pieces.
Don’t lose discipline.
It might be a basic thing, but that is what often makes the difference in big games as the winner tends to do the basic things right. Rangers have played enough game this season with a man down, and they cannot afford to do that in this crucial tie. It’s good to be on the face of your opponents to stamp your authority, but the team shouldn’t take that stamping in the literal sense.
Alfredo Morelos hopefully would have learnt his lesson after he was given marching orders not too long ago against Aberdeen. Keeping eleven men on the pitch has looked like a challenge for Gerrard this season, and he needs to make sure that the players stay disciplined without going too soft on their opponents.
Play to their strengths.
Rangers often rely heavily on building up from the wide regions with their wingers and fullbacks pushing forward. They lacked attacking output from the left for the past few months as Borna Barisic was out injured and Jon Flanagan didn’t look comfortable at all filling in his position. With the Croatian coming back, we expect him to provide a major attacking threat down the left in this game.
His performance against Villarreal away was one to savour and something similar to that should do the trick tonight. Tavernier is always a major threat while going forward and he is once again expected to play a big part. The full-backs need to combine well with their wide partners in midfield, and we expect to see some delicious crosses coming in for Morelos to latch on to in the middle.
Score more goals
This is a bonus suggestion from us and the most important one. They should try to score more goals than their opponents and that should do the trick. Simple enough duh!
