As Steven Gerrard looked ahead to a crunch tie with Aberdeen, the Gers gaffer had some troubling injury news.
Speaking as part of his pre-match press conference, Gerrard told us both Scott Arfield and Andy Halliday are doubts.
Whilst Borna Barisic can deputise for Andy, Rangers are considerably weaker without Arfield. Especially against Aberdeen.
The results sort of prove it. Arfield started both the draw at Aberdeen at the beginning of the season and the most recent win over them at Pittodrie. When he hasn’t played against the well-drilled side, we’ve lost the match.
In the League Cup semi-final and in that poor home defeat to the Dons, Rangers struggled to break the side down. Of all our midfield options, Arfield is the player who will break from the midfield line and support the attack.
He’s an important player in midfield and has proved that in recent matches. The fine form of Glen Kamara has given him more opportunity to play that little bit further forward. The frustrating league draws with Motherwell, Dundee, Hibs, Kilmarnock and St. Johnstone missed his influence.
As we get set for this all-important Scottish Cup tie, Arfield’s absence would be a big loss. As would Andy Halliday’s, but we have able cover and someone with a point to prove in Borna Barisic.
Without Scott Arfield in the side, Rangers struggle to break stubborn sides down. And it’s evidenced by the results we’ve had without him.
This could also be one of the last times Rangers travel to Pittodrie. Aberdeen have now been given the go-ahead to build their new stadium.
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