Rangers take on Cowdenbeath this evening in a Fourth Round Scottish Cup tie.
Although the hosts will put up a fight, on paper, Rangers could hardly have been handed an easier draw.
Gary Bollan’s men sit fifth in the League Two at the minute, having propped up the SPFL’s fourth tier for the last two seasons.
All that, means this is the perfect occasion to try something new.
Gerrard has already confirmed that both Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe will play some part in tonight’s fixture.
Yet, in order for Defoe, in particular, to thrive at the club, the formation needs to change.
So far this season, the Rangers set up has nearly always featured a lone striker – Alfredo Morelos.
Now, though, two of the best players in the squad play in that position.
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Gerrard has to switch it up to ensure both Defoe and Morelos are accommodated.
Changing to a 4-4-2, is the most obvious way to do that.
However, it’s not quite as simple as taking a midfielder out, sticking a forward in and away we go, scoring five or six goals every week.
These things take time.
The players will be used to playing a certain way and they need to get their heads around the tweaks to their individual duties that come with a change in formation.
Almost certainly, Gerrard will have begun to sow the seeds in Tenerife.
Tonight, is the perfect chance to carry on with that work.
Neither new signing may be fully match fit. Regardless, they should still be included from the start.
Give them an hour and then take them off.
It’s important, though, that with Premiership action looming ever nearer, Rangers make maximum use of their opportunities to prepare.
