Philippe Clement has been working wonders with the hand he has been dealt in terms of the quality of the Rangers squad that he has inherited.
The problem is that, for the Europa League squad, his hands are tied even more due to the severe lack of home-grown players at the new manager’s disposal.
Given the injuries that he currently has to deal with and the players that haven’t been selected, Philippe Clement only really has two decisions to make in terms of his Rangers line up for the visit of Sparta Prague.
Philippe Clement has hands tied for Rangers selection
In defence, there is no Ridvan Yilmaz or Leon Balogun through Michael Beale’s selection policy and John Souttar is currently out injured.
This means that a James Tavernier, Borna Barisic, Ben Davies and Connor Goldson defence is, realistically, the only one available, with Dujon Sterling providing the cover from the bench.
Midfield again, with Jose Cifuentes just returning from injury and no Nicolas Raskin, suggests that a repeat of the John Lundstram and Ryan Jack pairing is the only sensible option – a pairing that has served us well before in European football.
Philippe Clement’s biggest call is who out of three players gets to join on-form Abdallah Sima and first choice striker Danilo in the attack?
The choice is a straight forward one, again due to injury and selection.
Todd Cantwell, Scott Wright and Sam Lammers.
Where there will be more space to attack, pace could be invaluable and whilst he might not be first choice, Wright’s impact on Sunday can’t be ignored.
Clement seems to like his attitude and application too.
Which leaves the pivotal number 10 role.
It is a double-edged argument.
Sparta are strong at set pieces and Lammers has the advantage of being good in the air and over 6ft tall, however, in a more open game, Cantwell’s ability on the ball could be the difference – especially in transition.
Personally, I’d go with Cantwell, however, Philippe Clement has thrown up a few surprises since taking over at Rangers and Lammers name in the starting XI wouldn’t be a surprise.
It’s a decision that could be the difference.
