Changes for Hearts as Gio’s Gers attempt to bounce back

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Changes for Hearts as Gio’s Gers attempt to bounce back
Gio instructs from the side (Credit Rangers FC)

Following that first half massacre at Parkhead, there’s been a heavy amount of soul searching by Rangers fans.

Opinions have been messy, from sacking Gio, to sacking the squad, to widespread changes.

Ibrox Noise will put our tuppence in and tell you what we think Gio should change for Sunday’s visit of Hearts.

Goals:

Still McGregor, for now. The old dog had some life again v Celtic, but we do believe it’s time to give McCrorie minutes. We want to see that over the coming weeks and months.

Defence.

A lot of fans are demanding Tavernier be dropped, but we disagree. He’s still the best RB in the country, with 5 goals and 11 assists this season, and that’s just in the league.

Centrally, we’re left with few options, but it’s delightful to see Leon Balogun back. He must start alongside Connor Goldson.

On the left, well, Borna Barisic’s nightmare at Parkhead follows on from indifferent form, and he’s the inferior option to Calvin Bassey now. It’s the youngster’s place to lose at present.

Midfield:

We have, regardless of Wednesday, an embarrassment of riches. Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, James Sands, Scott Arfield, Aaron Ramsey and John Lundstram not to mention Ryan Jack are the options here. Will Gio choose to change the shape from the 4-2-3-1 into a 4-3-3?

It’s clear Scott Arfield simply must start, and so must Ryan Jack, but if Aaron Ramsey is ready surely he gets the call too? What about Joe Aribo?

Well, we’d say you measure the selection on the last match, and Arfield and Jack are must-starts.

Davis has been out a while and isn’t getting much younger, and Joe Aribo will need to get a little back up to speed again.

We’d go with a three-man for now, Arfield, Jack and Aribo. Let Ramsey prove himself as a sub, prove himself to be undroppable.

Attack:

Sakala starts. He’s working like a dog, showing no lack of effort, and while Ryan Kent wasn’t as bad as many want to believe he was, he’s not quite at his best right now, we won’t deny that.

Alongside him – Alfredo Morelos – our best striker and desperately missed recently. No contest on this.

Lastly, Amad Diallo. Yes we know he struggled v Celtic, but he’s got tonnes of talent and just needs matches to get up to speed.

So, your Ibrox Noise XI, which we’re sure you’ll disagree with:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Jack, Arfield, Aribo; Sakala, Morelos, Diallo.

Good enough to beat Hearts? You’d hope so!

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Can’t disagree with that team though according to GVB Jack only has 45 minutes in him. I suspect the same may be true of Ramsey. Doesn’t really matter who plays which half.

  2. I’d go with the same defence but I’d bring Ramsey in with Jack and Arfield in the middle and push Aribo RW. I’d still start Kent but wouldn’t be upset if he did go with Sakala. Hopefully, having the squad come back to full fitness will see is through the next period of fixtures.

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