Rangers face Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, in a Scottish Premiership clash.
This is the Gers’ final home match in the league until Boxing Day and against a struggling, managerless Hearts side, nothing less than three points will do.
Following the hard-fought 2-2 draw against Feyenoord on Thursday night, Steven Gerrard is likely to make several changes to bring fresh legs into his starting XI.
Given the ultra-defensive approach that the Jambos adopted in the recent League Cup semi-final at Hampden, he can afford to swap defensive grit for attacking flair.
Rangers midfielder Aribo should come in for Hearts clash
One obvious change that can be made in that regard, is bringing Joe Aribo in for Glen Kamara.
Gerrard likes to have Kamara in the middle of the park for the big games, and there are plenty of those coming up. Yet, he offers very little in attack, scoring once and registering no assists in 21 appearances so far this season [Transfermarkt].
Therefore, for this type of fixture, where the opposition will be looking to sit in behind the ball, a more creative player like Aribo is a better fit.
Afforded freedom by the presence of Steven Davis and Ryan Jack, the Nigeria international will be able to push forward and provide a better connection between the middle of the park and the front three.
The 23-year-old hasn’t been as consistent as many would have liked during his maiden season, but he’s undoubtedly talented and with five goals and three assists so far [Transfermarkt], statistically, he offers a lot more at the top end of the pitch.
This is the sort of clash where Aribo’s quick feet, eye for a pass and ability to shoot from the edge of the area, should come in handy and we expect him to start this afternoon.
While you’re here, why not check out our Predicted XI in full.
