There must be a big debate swirling around Steven Gerrard’s mind over whether to play Kyle Lafferty against Hearts.
The clash at Tynecastle on Sunday is going to be one of the biggest of the season for Rangers. Three points in Edinburgh will send them to the top of the table.
The fact Rangers are so close to the top as we enter December is credit to the work done by Gerrard to close the gap. He’ll want to make sure they strike whilst the iron’s hot, however, and fielding his strongest side is central to that.
But, despite Alfredo Morelos’ sensational form, might he be tempted to go with Lafferty?
Let’s get one thing straight – the only reason this might be an option is because of the fact he’ll be playing his old side. He’s scored at Tynecastle before as a Rangers player, and knows more than most about coming up against these Hearts defenders.
Morelos remains the man of the moment, and nobody can take that away from him. His goal against Livingston at the weekend made it 16 goals in 26 appearances for the Gers this season. His form is red-hot, and can’t be dropped.
Is Lafferty even on the same wavelength as Morelos?
Lafferty, meanwhile, has done nothing to earn a start on Sunday in truth. His performances have been unspectacular, and he’s had several issues on and off the field since arriving from Hearts.
The big Northern Irishman has only bagged four goals in 13 appearances. Only five of those appearances have been starts, however.
There is the option for Gerrard to shift to a two up top system. The Gers have been playing with just Morelos as the sole striker recently, and that seems to be a system that works for them.
But if Gerrard truly wants to get Lafferty into the side, he could give the two strikers the chance to hit it off again. It hasn’t worked on several occasions this season, most notably against Celtic at Parkhead. Now would be the time to try it again, however, with Lafferty returning to his old stomping ground.
The best choice for the Rangers manager is probably to leave things as they are. Morelos is scoring goals and will have Hearts in his sights on Sunday. But, the lingering idea of Lafferty vs his former club is still lingering.
Would you give Lafferty a big chance to impress on Sunday, with or without Morelos?
