Rangers face a repeat of last season’s winner-takes-all clash with PSV Eindhoven but should be buoyed by the class of 2022 getting over the line.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with hindsight, probably wishes that he had dropped into the Europa League with with a team that has been upgraded from back to front.
Looking at the Rangers side that started against PSV Eindhoven last year, Michael Beale shouldn’t fear going and getting a result.
To start, Jack Butland has brought a calmness between the sticks, not only is he coming for and catching crosses to alleviate pressure but he is making saves when he is called upon.
It isn’t too controversial to say that Butland is an upgrade on Jon McLaughiln.
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The back four is almost the same except but for one notable difference.
John Souttar has been outstanding playing as the left-sided central defender, it isn’t even close when comparing him to James Sands, who started last season.
In fairness to the American, he did play well in Eindhoven, if anything, it was his best game for the club.
Where Rangers can make a difference against PSV Eindhoven
The midfield and attack is totally different though and Rangers have no excuses not to cause PSV Eindhoven more problems.
Rangers have recruited well in midfield and the attack but PSV are relatively unchanged apart from the wide positions.
Jose Cifuentes, Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell offer more energy and dynamism than Glen Kamara, Malik Tillman and John Lundstram.
Cyriel Dessers is also a more complete striker than Antonio Colak as we saw at Ibrox.
There is no doubt that Rangers are facing a quality side in PSV Eindhoven but, as Michael Beale proved at Ibrox, he has the tools at his disposal to get a result.
Can lighting strike twice? You better believe it.