In perhaps a first ever mention for Albert Einstein by Ibrox Noise, he famously quoted that the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. With that firmly in mind – we MUST change things up.

It was discussed earlier today that a 3-5-2 (with wing backs) formation might be the best option for tomorrow night’s trip to Braga. It looks interesting and certainly has positives. However, the suggested personnel meant the exclusion of Ryan Kent which is absolutely unthinkable to some people. Alongside Alfie and Tav, he’s been a stand out performer in Europe for us this season. Let’s also not forget he got bagged the only goal of the game some 2 years ago in Braga to send us through to the round of 16. So is there another potential solution for Gio tomorrow night? How about this flexible option?

We play the usual 4 at the back, but importantly we suggest Barisic at left back (and either Balogun or Bassey partnering Goldson in the middle and of course Tav at RB). The Croat’s numbers are far superior to young Bassey, both in terms of chances created and goals scored – two areas that are pivotal if we’re to have any chance of progression. The flexibility here is that it’s a 4 or 5 with Lundstram the only holding midfielder who drops in to CB as and when required.

Next to the midfield, Kamara has to be given the nod. He’s younger and fresher than both Davis and Jack and also brings his A game on European nights. Alongside him is Ramsey and between the two of them they look to completely pull the strings in the middle of the park, unlocking the defence with precision and star quality (Ianis Hagi style, who incidentally would have made this starting line-up if available).
That leaves 3 Jerseys to be filled by Kent, Roofe and Fashion Jr. The latter two playing together up top, with Kent in attacking midfield but essentially given a free role.

This enables him to get down the wings and provide support to Barisic and Tav as required, but also to be involved through the middle, which with Sakala and Roofe up front (both at only 5ft 10) is where a lot of our play needs to come through. When Kent goes wide, Kamara or Ramsey push up and Lundstram moves into midfield. This way we’ve got a fluidity throughout the team whilst playing to our players’ strengths, getting balls into feet with quick passing. I lost count of the number of weak, high crosses that were curled into the box on Sunday and gobbled up by grateful Celtic centre halves. Braga are a tall, physical team too and we’re not going to be able to outmuscle them. Let’s pass them to death and get plenty of shots on goal, in the knowledge that there’s plenty of players in the area to take advantage of any loose ball.

Of course, there’ll be holes that can be picked in this, but for the first time in a long time, we’re forced to have a consideration of other options. Only time will tell what the gaffer goes with, all we can do at the moment is speculate and hope that Gio has a plan.