As Ibrox Noise’s Derek has discussed, the way for Rangers to get at Tottenham on Thursday is two up front, albeit he is no fan of Dessers and doesn’t want him replacing Danilo.
But unfortunately the chances of Philippe Clement going two up top at Europa level especially against a Premier League side are low, so Ibrox Noise expects the sole striker in Govan again.
But with Ianis Hagi ineligible alongside the Brazilian forward, it does now create some headaches.
Last season Rangers fans raged at Michael Beale for rejecting Ridvan and Balogun from the squad, this time it’s some bad judgement calls from Clement that are creating new issues.
But we’ll try to see what we can pick as our projected XI tomorrow in Glasgow’s south side.
Goals, obviously Butland. He’s untouchable no matter how rotten he is. He’ll become the new ‘Tavernier’ if he doesn’t get his performances back up. He was very poor in Dingwall.
Back four:
Spurs’ attack is far beyond anything Rangers have faced this season, even Lyon. This is tough, and picking Tavernier would be suicidal. But is Sterling strong and fit enough to start?
Centrally it’s on-fire John Souttar, and surely Leon Balogun will partner him. Propper just isn’t strong enough to face opposition of this calibre. Left back may be the returning Ridvan. More on that later.
Midfield:
Barron and Raskin, there won’t be any change here we suspect.
Front three:
This is complication. We only have Bajrami, McCausland and Cerny actually available, aside adding Jefte, hence the Ridvan mention earlier, unless we’re forgetting someone. In theory this still means Bajrami as 10 and Jefte and Cerny as wingers. Big scope to swap Ridvan and Jefte around.
Striker:
Igamane isn’t a big lad, but he’s quite strong. Dessers isn’t Clement’s pick any more but he might want his height v Spurs.
So your Ibrox Noise prediction:
Butland; Sterling, Souttar, Balogun, Ridvan; Barron, Raskin; Jefte, Bajrami, Cerny; Igamane
This one is a bit out there in a sense, Clement’s squad picks and injuries do limit his options.
We’ll see what he picks come tomorrow evening.