Rangers News

Rangers team news leaves Gerrard with few decisions to make in uphill Leverkusen task

|
Image for Rangers team news leaves Gerrard with few decisions to make in uphill Leverkusen task

Rangers face Bayer Leverkusen tonight in their 2019/20 Europa League last 16 tie with the score currently poised at 3-1 in the German’s favour.

Steven Gerrard’s men face an uphill battle as they attempt to progress to the quarter-finals where a one-off winner-takes-all fixture against either Inter Milan or Getafe awaits with all the games at this and latter stages taking place in Germany.

Unfortunately for Gers fans they will not get to see either of their latest recruits Kemar Roofe or Cedric Itten on display but can expect to see a fully fit and fired up Alfredo Morelos with every game in a Light Blue shirt potentially his last, especially with Jermain Defoe still unavailable for selection.

The Rangers boss has a few selection decisions to make starting in defence, Leon Balogun was hugely impressive on his debut against Aberdeen but the Nigerian falls into the same category as Roofe and Itten so, Gerrard will have to decide between George Edmundson – who played every pre-season friendly – or Filip Helander – who continues his recovery from injury – to partner Connor Goldson in front of Allan McGregor.

In midfield the Ibrox side are yet to add any new faces and given Glen Kamara’s prominence in continental competition, Gerrard will have to replace the suspended Finland international and Steven Davis is the most likely figure because of his more defensive nature compared to Scott Arfield, the Northern Ireland captain will, probably, line-up along side Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack barring any selection surprises.

Can Rangers progress to the quarter-finals?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi have partnered Alfredo Morelos in attack throughout pre-season and against Aberdeen and few would back against them starting together in Germany, with a 3-0 win or a win by more than two goals – if more than three goals are scored – needed to see the Gers progress, the onus will be on the front three to get them off to a good start.

Leverkusen are a good side, make no mistake about that, and Rangers chances of progressing are unlikely at best, however, stranger things have happened and records are there to be broken – having never come from behind after a first-leg 3-1 defeat, now would be a good time to set this one straight.

Share this article