Right then, win by two clear goals and the Champions League is a step closer.
Sounds simple eh?
This is the task facing Steven Gerrard and his men tonight as they look to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg when injuries and suspensions severely hampered the Gers manager’s selection.
Two defeats in a row though sees our worst run of results since 2020, something that the gaffer will be hoping to put right as soon as possible, we have reacted well to adversity in the past and there is no bigger stage to put in a good performance than in front of 50,000 fans in the Champions League.
The calamitous concession of goals aside, Rangers defence coped relatively well with the threat posed by the Swedish champions, they weren’t cutting us apart or dominating the game for large periods, being wary of their threat on the counter attack will remain an issue though.
Without disrupting the balance of the team, we need as many players as possible who are comfortable in possession, will take risks and are capable of creating and scoring goals, for this reason, this is the line up that I hope Gerrard goes with to take on Malmo:
Joe Aribo isn’t known for his defensive capabilities but he has more than enough experience at this level now to be disciplined out of possession, he also adds a useful physical presence in both boxes, the priority has to be scoring goals in the short-term and of the players available, the Nigerian international is the best man for the job.
Creativity has also been an issue and for all that it might seem too attack minded, I can see us controlling large periods of the game, having someone like Ianis Hagi playing the way he is facing instead of with his back to goal gives us a better chance of opening up their defence – he also looked good in midfield during pre-season.
Will Rangers get past Malmo?
Yes
No
As I’ve said already, we need to have as many players on the park as possible that can score or create goals and with Ryan Kent playing alongside – or behind – Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala we have our most potent attack but for the absence of Kemar Roofe, it’s a lot for the Malmo defence to keep an eye on even if one under performs, you’d like to think that the other two could take up the slack.
It’s going to be a struggle but it is hugely important to start with an intensity that shocks the Swedes, an early goal would set us up perfectly and get us back on track.
As a wise man once said – LET’S GO!!!