Rangers take on Aberdeen on Saturday in yet another crucial Scottish Premiership fixture.
Celtic’s three-point lead at the top of the table means the Gers can’t afford slip-ups, not least against the Dons, who currently occupy third spot [BBC Sport].
Derek McInnes’ men will be confident heading into the clash, too. They won three times in Glasgow last season – once in the league, once in the Scottish Cup and in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
They raise their game every time they face the Gers, and Steven Gerrard needs his big players to stand up and be counted.
James Tavernier is firmly in that bracket.
Tav is undoubtedly one of the club’s biggest assets, as is evidenced by a Transfermarkt valuation of £5.4m, the fifth-best in Scotland.
However, the Gers skipper has suffered a minor slump in form recently. During the first half away at St Johnstone last weekend, he struggled defensively and was fortunate to get away with being caught out of position on several occasions.
He was much improved in the second period but was helped by the game’s momentum swinging towards Rangers.
Against Livi in midweek, he was one of many who delivered a below-par performance.
He looked defensively vulnerable again at times and was subdued in attack for long periods.
Rangers need captain Tavernier on song against Dons
Against Aberdeen, he must manage to hit top gear. He needs to get the balance between attack and defence just right, as he has done on many occasions for the club.
The Dons may not be playing great football this season, but with the likes of Cosgrove and McGinn, they have players more likely of taking chances presented to them, than those turning out for Livi and the Saints.
Having said that, he’s a major weapon for Steven Gerrard in attack and it’s crucial that he continues to get forward. Alfredo Morelos thrives on his skipper’s pinpoint deliveries from the right and his driving runs help put the opposition on the back foot.
Rangers require a stellar outing from the captain tomorrow, and if he gets a chance from the spot, he’ll be looking to atone for his recent miss against Feyenoord.
