Philippe Clement’s tenure at Rangers has certainly been challenging as of late, with his selection choices becoming increasingly dictated by injuries and the absence of key players. After having the luxury of fielding his strongest XI in earlier matches, Clement now finds himself in a position where he’s often forced to adjust, putting square pegs in round holes. While this is a part of football that every manager has to navigate, it’s clear that the absence of important figures like Connor Barron and Kieran Dowell, along with some underwhelming performances from others, has added complexity to Clement’s task.
In terms of team news, there’s a bit of a positive twist with the return of two key players to the squad: Vaclav Cerny and John Souttar. The duo’s inclusion offers Clement some much-needed options, particularly with the squad stretched thin due to injuries. However, there shouldn’t be any rush to throw them back into the starting XI immediately. They’ll likely need time to regain their sharpness, and integrating them gradually is the smarter approach. The manager will need to find the balance between giving them minutes and ensuring the team remains cohesive.
Rangers face Ross County at Ibrox, and while the matchup may seem straightforward on paper, the team’s recent inconsistency makes it far from a foregone conclusion. The pressure to secure three points is palpable, especially after some concerning performances in recent weeks. One of the most talked-about incidents was Jack Butland’s positioning during Union Saint-Gilloise’s goal in midweek, which left many questioning his reaction. However, upon closer inspection, it seems that Butland wasn’t necessarily at fault for the goal. The header from Kevin Mac Allister that beat him had an incredible trajectory, almost as though it were a free-kick or volley. The real issue appeared to be more on the defending side, with Cyriel Dessers failing to maintain discipline in the offside line, and John Souttar allowing Mac Allister a free header. Clement will likely be more concerned with the defensive lapses than the goalkeeper’s performance, as such a goal is often difficult to prevent.
Looking at the squad for the Ross County match, the centre-back partnership has also been a point of focus. With Clinton Nsiala having put in solid performances since his arrival, it’s understandable that he continues to be trusted by Clement. Robin Propper has been given a rest, and it seems like this is a tactical move to bring Souttar back into the fold. Given his experience and ability, Souttar will need to step up and lead the defense, especially in a fixture like this where Rangers cannot afford any further slip-ups.
James Tavernier’s return to his natural right-back position is another telling tactical decision. Tavernier had been asked to play at centre-back in the previous match, where he earned a man-of-the-match performance. While his versatility is admirable, Clement will no doubt prefer to have him in his more accustomed role at right-back for this game, where he’s more effective in both attacking and defending.
In midfield, things are looking a little thin, particularly after the departure of Kieran Dowell. His absence leaves a void that Rangers have yet to fill, especially with Connor Barron still sidelined. As a result, Bailey Rice will continue to deputize in midfield alongside the impressive Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande. Rice has been filling in admirably, but the lack of a more established playmaker is concerning. Nedim Bajrami’s struggles to convince fans that he can be the main creative force for the team only add to this issue. Clement will need to find a way to unlock the creativity in this midfield, or else risk being outplayed by better-drilled sides.
A potential bright spot in the attacking third is the return of Ianis Hagi, who has been recalled to the starting XI. Hagi’s skill set is undeniable, and with his vision and flair, he can provide the creativity that the team has been lacking. Having Hagi back in the fold is a significant boost, and if he can get back to the level of performance that fans have come to expect from him, he’ll play a key role in driving Rangers forward.
Vaclav Cerny’s inclusion in the starting lineup is another point of interest. After his return from injury, this is a crucial moment for the winger to show what he can contribute. However, with the game potentially well within reach, Clement may look to give Cerny a rest and bring in Findlay Curtis, who has impressed in his limited opportunities. Cerny will need to make the most of his minutes, particularly if he wants to keep his place in the team moving forward.
Rafael Fernandes could also make his first appearance at Ibrox, and it will be interesting to see how the young talent adapts to the atmosphere. With Rangers expected to take control of the match, Fernandes could be a player for the future who may need to get some minutes under his belt, especially with the expectation of goals and a comfortable three points. This match could also offer a glimpse into what Fernandes might offer in terms of his attacking contributions, and how quickly he can adjust to the demands of playing at Ibrox.
In conclusion, while Rangers head into this fixture with some key personnel returning, the squad is still facing challenges, particularly in midfield and defense. Clement’s decisions on the starting XI and substitutions will be pivotal in ensuring Rangers maintain their momentum and get back on track in the league. The pressure is on, and with Ross County in town, it’s an opportunity to put in a solid performance and secure the much-needed three points.