Rangers travel to Edinburgh tomorrow, with the outcome of a tough tie against Hibs really difficult to predict. But if we can get on top of Neil Lennon, we’ll have a fighting chance.
The hothead Hibs manager isn’t exactly the biggest fan of Rangers. It’s fair to say, we’re not exactly the biggest fan of him either.
But he’s been very successful against both sides of the Old Firm as Hibees Manager. His secret? Getting his players to give an extra 10% against Scotland’s big two.
But if Rangers can get on top of the game, and Neil Lennon, early on, we can take this match. It’s about managing the ferocious atmosphere and getting an angry Lennon on the backs of his players.
They’re capable of collapse – they went seven without a win before beating Hamilton and Celtic. Rangers must frustrate Hibs tomorrow. It will inevitably frustrate Lennon if we do. Against Celtic, they were energetic, physical and most importantly, creative.
Rangers can nullify this by matching it. We need to run through walls tomorrow night to come back down the M8 with full points. I expect Gerrard to be firing his players up for a battle. Lennon certainly will be.
This match made for Morelos
Niggly challenges, energetic pressing, powerful running, moments of real quality. Whoever does this best will win. One man has all of this in abundance.
This kind of match is made for Alfredo Morelos, who scored the winner at Easter Road last season.
Having him back is massive for Rangers. We’ve struggled for goals and the Colombian relishes the pressure to deliver as the focal point of our side.
If we can frustrate Hibs, and Lennon, we can take charge in this match. Whatever happens, it promises to be a Christmas Cracker.
And one man is clearly excited at the prospect of taking Lennon on.
