Rangers are flying high at home as well as abroad and are yet to lose a game this season across competitions. Not only they have achieved a huge 13-point lead over champions Celtic in the Premiership standings, but are also favourites to finish as the group toppers ahead of hotshots Benfica in the prestigious Europa League.
While the contest on the road against Lech Poznan is never a cakewalk on paper, the likelihood of the Polish side’s rotation policy would be a welcome boost for the Gers amid fixture congestion. Dariusz Zuraw’s men won’t make it to the knockouts of the European contest and therefore, might rest their key stars similar to last midweek’s Benfica game.
“I took the decision to use some of the other players after consultation with the medical staff and the other coaches. Over the course of the season, it will prove to be right. Against Rangers, it’s very likely we will do the same thing and rest more players. Yes, the Europa League is important, but we are out and there are many other matches.”
Stated Zuraw (as quoted by the Daily Record) who scripted a turnaround this Sunday and clinched a 4-0 victory over Ekstraklasa opponents Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała.
Financial Significance For Rangers
A second-half Alfredo Morelos goal made all the difference between these two sides at Ibrox, but the Railwayman are unlikely to deliver a similar show this time at Stadion Miejski in a dead rubber outing. Having said that, Steven Gerrard is determined to clinch all three points and finish ahead of Benfica who are only behind on away goal rules. It would be incredible from financial aspects too with the group winners tipped to earn an additional £900k which is twice the amount the runners up are set to be handed (Goal has claimed).
Injury Boost And The Correct Call
Moreover, the gaffer is expecting Ryan Jack and Filip Helander to recover in time for the midweek tie. Jack was sidelined with a muscle strain whereas Helander is set to exit the quarantine phase this week after returning a positive COVID-19 test in late November.
Although the Dundee United game is knocking the doors, there won’t be any wholesale change on Thursday night to avoid disruption. The unbeaten streak should be stretched to set new records after years of despair, and also a group-winner status would hand them a slight advantage in terms of next round opponents from the draw.
