Rangers form in Europe has been in stark contrast to what has been served up domestically and, especially, in the Scottish Premiership.
It was a similar story against St Johnstone with a lack of goals throughout the squad still causing the manager problems.
Philippe Clement has made a difficult decision in recent weeks to drop James Tavernier, but the Rangers boss might have a bigger one around the corner.
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Philippe Clement has decision to make in Rangers midfield
Two players who have escaped criticism for much of the season have been Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron with the dynamic duo providing some much-needed energy in midfield.
Unfortunately, they are part of the problem too.
Both players do their best work off the ball, however, in the league, Rangers dominate possession and need players who can make a difference and break down opposition defences.
Barron started the season as first choice number six alongside Mohamed Diomande, but Raskin’s form has made him undroppable and he is finally fulfilling the potential that he always had.
In some games, they dovetail perfectly, for example; in Europe or bigger domestic games that might be more open.
When Rangers have 70% possession, there simply isn’t the need for both of them.
Diomande might not have worked alongside Barron, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t get a run next to Raskin to see if that pairing can be more appropriate.
Barry Ferguson’s verdict on Rangers midfield
Someone who knows what it takes to play in midfield for Rangers is Barry Ferguson and, speaking after the Europa League clash with Olympiacos, he was full of praise for the dynamic duo:
“I thought Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin were excellent in the middle of the park. When your opponent has the ball you need to be aggressive towards them,” praised Ferguson.
“Both of them now, in my opinion, over the last couple of weeks are starting to strike up a decent relationship in the middle of the pitch.”
What Clement must learn is that a successful pairing in one game, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work in the next.
