Rangers Champions League surprise as Rabbi Matondo thrown in

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Rangers Champions League surprise as Rabbi Matondo thrown in
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 19: Rabbi Matondo of Rangers runs through on goal during the Viaplay Cup match between Rangers FC and Greenock Morton FC at Ibrox Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Michael Beale has sprung another surprise in his Champions League selection for Rangers’ match v PSV, by including the (slightly) reborn Rabbi Matondo in Ianis Hagi’s place.

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Beale is coming under criticism from some for his omission of the Romanian, but Matondo’s performance at the weekend was certainly a lot stronger from the Wales international who is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment.

It’s been enough to switch him into the Champions League squad, and could Beale spring an even bigger surprise by starting the ex-Schalke man v Peter Bosz’ side?

It’s possible.

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Rangers have lacked a bit of guile, with absolutely none of Michael Beale’s four summer attacking signings hitting the ground close to running, and the idea Matondo could start isn’t that far-fetched.

The Welshman has everything to prove to the club, the fans, and maybe even to himself, because something urged Rangers to pay £3M to the Germans for his signature last summer, and we’d seen precious little return on that investment.

But this season, while he’s not exactly lit Ibrox up, his performances have been more confident, and he’s tried to take men on, often succeeding. He’s certainly shone a lot more than new club winger and Senegal’s Abdallah Sima who has been utterly poor from day one.

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This may urge Michael Beale to give him a heck of a stage tomorrow night v the mighty PSV, and we’ll clearly know an hour before kick off if that’s a ‘gamble’ he’s willing to take.

Let’s face it, none of the attackers this season that Beale’s brought in have even come close to shining in any of the competitive football, and with Matondo being bright v Livi and doing well v Morton, he’s opened the door for a chance.

PSV is quite the hike from the Championship midtable side and David Martindale’s men though, and we’ll see if Beale thinks Matondo has a shout tomorrow.

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