Philippe Clement rotated his Rangers team to face Livingston this afternoon as he looks to nail down who, and who he can’t, trust to get the job done in a huge run of fixtures.
The bench and squad looks as strong as it has done all season and the Gers boss will turn to it at some point as he looks to put on a show at Ibrox – an appearance from Oscar Cortes would be warmly received.
The manager has shown in the past that he isn’t scared to make early changes but what does he have to do in the second half as Rangers look to put the game to bed as early as possible against Livingston?
Rangers v Livingston – Half-time verdict
Despite a good run of formal and a few goals, Cyriel Dessers made way for Fabio Silva with the Portuguese forward looking to get his Rangers career off and running.
It was Ross McCausland who had the best of the early chances though, trying to go with his right foot from the edge of the box instead of his left saw an effort closed down before sclaffing wide a volley trying to hit it into the ground.
With more options now, he will have to do better to keep his place in the team.
The first 20 minutes flew past as Rangers set an impressive tempo, nearing double figures in terms of shots.
There was one problem though.
The ball was being moved quickly but we were playing a lot of passes in front of Livingston and didn’t get behind them often enough.
Rabbi Matondo and McCausland both have the ability to do this but were either passing the ball to the edge of the box or going for the early cross.
Livingston had one game plan – pack the box.
And we were playing into their hands.
Long range efforts and crosses were exactly what they were wanting.
It’s such a small detail but one that will get Livi’s defence turned and make it easier for our forwards and midfield runners to find space in a congested penalty area.
Set-pieces looked as dangerous as they have all season but we can’t rely on those and deflected goals against teams that sit in all the time.
