The Rangers team to face Villarreal should be the definition of a side that picks itself.
That’s exactly the case for when the Spaniards come to town on Thursday night for their Europa League clash at Ibrox.
Rangers know a defeat to the La Liga side would send Villarreal through, closing up top spot for them. Therefore, getting the three points at Ibrox would be essential not just for qualification, but for potentially nabbing that top slot.
And they couldn’t come into this one on the back of much better form. A convincing 3-0 win over Livingston followed up a 7-1 mauling of Motherwell. It’s results the Rangers of old would’ve been proud of, and Steven Gerrard is seriously on the brink of bringing the club back up to that level.
In order to do that, however, success in Europe is also of supreme importance. Therefore, Gerrard simply has to get his team right.
No surprises then that Allan McGregor will keep his place in goal. That will be the easiest decision the Rangers manager makes all night along with James Tavernier in at right-back.
Connor Goldson will keep his place at the heart of the Gers back-line, but the rest of the defence opens itself up to two big questions that need answered by Gerrard.
Gareth McAuley looked supremely impressive in the win over Livi. He swept up everything with ease and looked calm and composed. His lack of first-team football, however, could halt Gerrard from keeping him in the side. The Livingston win was his first start, but neither Nikola Katic or Joe Worrall instill confidence in the Gers support.
Then there’s the curious case of left-back. Andy Halliday wasn’t at his best against his old side on Saturday, and Borna Barisic is closing in on a return. It remains to be seen if the Croatian is back in time for the visit of the El Madrigal outfit, but it shouldn’t matter with Halliday still performing capably.
Ryan Jack, Ovie Ejaria, and Scott Arfield appear to be Gerrard’s favoured midfield trio. It gives the side some real balance in the engine room, and is highly likely to be the talent the manager goes with. Of course, Lassana Coulibaly was no disgrace after starting the last Europa League clash in Moscow, but Gerrard can’t take any risks here.
Glenn Middleton is the only recognisable left-winger, so you expect him to feature there once more. Daniel Candeias, meanwhile, has scored two goals in two. Eros Grezda nabbed a brace against Motherwell, but was dropped for the Portuguese star on Saturday. Candeias is highly likely to keep his place down the right.
The big change, and there’s no denying this will happen, is Alfredo Morelos in for Kyle Lafferty. Lafferty continues to disappoint after another 60 minutes without a goal against Livingston.
Morelos will fancy his chances of adding to his four Europa League goals, and will definitely start the match.
There’s no denying the importance of this one. Villarreal and Rangers both have it all to play for at Ibrox. No risks needed from the Rangers manager, and we feel he’ll understand that.
