Steven Gerrard has been using his squad to good effect this season, that he was able to rest his preferred front three against Falkirk is a sign of how far we have come this year.
We could, technically, progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League without winning another game, however, that is unlikely to be one of the considerations made by the gaffer when he picks his team to face Standard Liege tonight.
The Belgians travel to Ibrox without any of the Covid-19 issues that blighted their selection in the first meeting between the two sides, remembered for the torrential weather conditions and a certain Puskas Award contender for next year scored by Kemar Roofe.
With Filip Helander unavailable after a positive Covid test, Gerrard has an almost fully fit squad to choose from and as a result we should see something similar to this when the teams line up for kick off:
Other than against Benfica last week, we have made good use of the five substitutes that are allowed in most games and the plan will be to get the strongest XI out and hopefully put the game to bed as early as possible, although the two games against the Portuguese giants will serve as a reminder that nothing is won at this level until the final whistle blows.
The midfield poses the biggest question and whether or not he will be more pragmatic than usual, I’ve gone with Glen Kamara over Ryan Jack to allow the Scotland international extra time to recover for the Dundee United game at the weekend, similarly Joe Aribo – who has been ill recently – shouldn’t been rushed back when there are plenty of games up ahead.
Three points would be perfect, giving us a free hit against Lech Poznan in the final round of fixtures and with the form we have shown at home and abroad so far this season, I’m expecting nothing less.