Steven Gerrard sprung a surprise on Saturday – as predicted by Vital Rangers – with the inclusion of Brandon Barker for the first Old Firm of the season but we should see the return of a familiar face this evening to take on Standard Liege.
Ianis Hagi sat out the derby and although it was partially a tactical decision with Barker’s extra pace and ball carrying ability giving him the nod, that the Englishman wasn’t away on international duty and able to play a full part in the match preparations would have helped his cause.
It is, however, on the European stage that Hagi‘s talent has shone brightest and where he announced himself in spectacular fashion to the Rangers support, having had the weekend off, he is perfectly placed to come back into the attack to support Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.
He also has recent experience of the opposition having left Belgian side Genk to sign for Rangers in January, his insider information on the defence could give Gerrard’s side the edge.
This is the team I’d go for to get the Europa League group stages off to a flyer and secure what would be a first away win on the continent for the Gers gaffer outside of knockout football:
Gerrard has genuine squad depth now and as a result he can afford to give Filip Helander and Steven Davis a rest, the big Swede has just returned from injury and the Northern Ireland skipper’s minutes need to be managed – personally, I’d prefer it if he is used in the league rather than in Europe.
What do you expect from Rangers v Liege?
A win
A draw
Kemar Roofe and Joe Aribo have returned to full training and will hopefully be given game time, they have the quality to replace Morelos and Scott Arfield whilst maintaining the standard of the team, finally we have the depth needed to compete on all fronts.
It won’t be easy, better teams than ours have struggled against Liege in Belgium – six years since their last continental defeat at home – but we are due a win in the group stages away from Ibrox and there is no time like the present.