Rangers’ pre-match press conference appeared to drop a big selection hint ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League Last 16 second leg clash against Slavia Prague.
After a 1-1 draw in the Czech capital last week, the Gers will walk out at Ibrox knowing that a 0-0 draw or a victory by any scoreline will be enough to see them progress to the quarter-finals.
The majority of the Rangers lineup picks itself but there’s uncertainty regarding one of the midfield slots as well as the right inside forward berth.
Steven Davis and Glen Kamara are near-certain picks in the middle of the park and with Ryan Jack out injured, they will be joined by either Scott Arfield or Joe Aribo.
Aribo has been in excellent form recently and started the first leg, but the decision to put Scott Arfield forward for press duty on Wednesday morning suggests that he is set to return to the XI.
Arfield spoke of his delight at the Premiership title win before asserting that all focus is on the European tie and claiming that Rangers will need to ‘own the ball’ in order to defeat Slavia.
He could be an important part of that bid, as he breaks up opposition attacks well and is generally safe in possession.
If the Gers can keep things tight early on, the visitors will be forced to search for goals and then the Canada international’s forward runs and link-up play could come to the fore.
Should the 32-year-old get the nod on Thursday night, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Aribo will drop out of the XI, as he could well be preferred to Ianis Hagi for the right inside forward berth.
If Rangers triumph over Slavia, they will secure a substantial cash reward from UEFA.
