As quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has backed Alfredo Morelos, despite the striker being one card away from suspension.
Last season, Morelos was a liability in terms of his discipline. He picked up five red cards (one rescinded) and 18 yellows across the season [Soccerbase], spending large periods out of the side due to suspension.
So far in 2019/20, there are signs of improvements. There have been no red cards to date and he only had three yellows from his first 12 appearances [Soccerbase]. However, two cautions in the last three games, including a second Europa League booking, means he’s only one away from a ban.
Should he be booked against Porto tonight, he would miss next month’s home leg against the same opponents.
The fact that he’ll be pitting himself against top centre-back and notorious wind-up merchant, Pepe, means he’ll certainly be put to the test.
“It is two top players that like to play the game with a lot of emotion so it will be interesting and fascinating, if he is selected!” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times. “Yeah, it will be an interesting one and Buff will be well aware that he needs to channel his aggression in the right manner.”
“Hopefully we can come through without the situation where we miss home for the home game.
“I look at where we are now in the group and obviously we are coming over here to try and take something from the game. But I think our two home games could be key.”
Verdict
Gerrard has hit the nail on the head here.
Tonight is a big game and if Rangers can get something from it, it’s massive for the prospects of getting out of the group.
When looking at things in perspective, though, the Gers are huge underdogs in Portugal.
At home, the odds swing a little more in Morelos and co.’s favour, with 50,000 fans under the lights at Ibrox.
A win from that game is a more realistic prospect, but having El Bufalo available and firing is absolutely crucial.
