Most of the Rangers team picks itself for Sunday but in central defence, there is a big decision for Giovanni van Bronckhorst to make. Will it be Leon Balogun or Fil Helander?
Both were involved with their respective international squads this week with a similar disappointing fate and an end to their World Cup aspirations. Balogun played the full game as Nigeria lost their CAF playoff on aggregate (1-1) to Ghana whilst Helander was an unused sub as Sweden were beaten by Poland.
Their next and immediate priority is the massive Old Firm encounter at Ibrox this weekend but who will get the nod? A change of formation is possible which could see John Lundstram as a utility centre-half in the ‘European style’ that the Gers have deployed recently against Borussia Dortmund and also Red Star Belgrade.
What is certain is that improvements are a must following the debacle at Parkhead in February. Harsh lessons learned that evening might just sway the plan toward three central defenders which in turn could favour Balogun and his style of play on the front foot. He also leads in terms of form and fitness over the former Bologna man who is still getting back up to speed after his most recent injury lay-off.
In Helander’s favour is his last outing against Celtic at Ibrox when he grabbed the headed winner – the only goal of that game. The Swede also adds a left-sided balance to compliment the sure starter Connor Goldson, regardless whether or not Lundstram is called upon in defence.
Training wll be very interesting over the next couple of days with the last decisions to be mae by Gio and the coaching staff. Derby d-day is coming.