Is Stevie Gerrard ready for explosive Sunday selection?

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Is Stevie Gerrard ready for explosive Sunday selection?


On top of the earlier dilemma we discussed for manager Steven Gerrard ahead of Hearts, the Rangers chief has another major decision to make, but one which is set to be explosive should he go through with it.

With right winger Daniel Candeias regaining some form v Vienna, it would be a bold decision to switch him, but Gerrard is very much looking at star summer signing Kyle Lafferty, brought back home from Hearts, to start this one.

The Northern Ireland hitman obviously has a greater sense of danger against Hearts, knowing this current squad better than almost anyone outwith their payroll, and it would be logical to set him loose at Ibrox knowing he is likely to have a heck of a match, and thrives on these big occasions.

However, there is also the baggage Gerrard must weigh up – does he want the possible sideshow circus of Lafferty back to face his old team to overshadow the team’s build up and preparation for a match which, with victory, blows the SPL wide open?

Risk and reward?

There is also the undeniable truth that Lafferty and Morelos up front hasn’t really worked too well so far for Rangers, regardless of whether it was a pure partnership or Lafferty flanking on the wing alongside the Colombian.

And Kyle is most definitely a striker, not a winger.

Could Gerrard even consider a hugely controversial move and give Morelos a rest to let Lafferty thrive on his own at the apex?

Either way, the visiting vans are going to ‘enjoy’ Lafferty’s presence at Ibrox tomorrow and it’s going to make what is already a potentially season-defining match even more mouthwatering.

OPINION: We would be tempted to give Morelos a rest – despite our criticisms of him, he does tend to rise to the big occasions, but by late on Thursday he looked a little weary, even despite his superb second goal. Maybe Lafferty could start up front and if Rangers struggle, Morelos will be ready? Equally, Gerrard may well elect to leave Lafferty benched and remove any circus from the match, leaving the players to focus on the job at hand. We have to say we’re almost glad it’s a home match and it removes a touch of the soap opera.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. I hope Rangers go with the same starting eleven as Thursday, Morelos is the number one striker for me and, if fit, should be first choice.

  2. Lafferty and Kent, wonder how that would pan out, if Morelos rested. Come on Rangers! We need this. No messing. Every man on the pitch needs to be on the front foot and switched on. Levein, is no dummy.

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