At Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the Liverpool game, Giovanni van Bronckhorst teased the assembled reporters regarding his starting line-up for the crucial Champions League fixture.
That included his choice of striker as well as retaining Leon King in defence following his appearance at Anfield as the Dutchman fielded questions regarding both those decisions and more.
Alfredo Morelos or Antonio Colak? There is a case to be made for either given their respective qualities. The Croatian international is in red hot form in front of the posts, particularly at Ibrox yet El Bufalo has shown his best on the European stage previously. In the opening minutes against Napoli, he narrowly failed to convert a header from a James Tavernier cross. He probably works opposition defenders harder and more aggressively but top scorer Colak is the man you want the ball to fall to, in the box.
On that call, Gio stated that he already knew who would be playing without giving too much away:
“They are both strikers, but their strengths and their way of playing are a bit different. They are both natural goalscorers, that’s for sure. So for me, it’s always a case of seeing what we need in games, who is in form, and who do we think will be the best option.”
“That’s not only for the striker option but for the other 10 who are playing. I think it’s a normal process in the days prior to a game. Tomorrow, we are going to start with 11 players who I think are capable of getting a good result. I have made my decision, yes.”
There was talk of reported interest in rising star Leon King, leading to the manager elaborating as follows:
“You will see him tomorrow. I’ve not heard of any interest from down south. Leon is a player who is developing really well. He played some games last year but we wanted to make space for him to get more minutes and when he is taking the minutes he is performing really well.”
Plan
Certain players are nailed on to start, the likes of McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Lundstram, Barisic.
The big questions relate to a back for or five, who gets the nod in attack as well as Kent to return and will Sakala keep his place. There is plenty to be waiting on ahead of a massive night of football at Ibrox.
It will be different to last week at Anfield but most of all, Rangers need to show quality and incision if they are to have any chance of securing a result when it matters.