Giovanni van Bronckhorst has had plenty of praise for his tactical tweaks on European nights. The half-time switch to a back three at home to Borussia Dortmund to complete a stunning aggregate win over the German giants was seen as a masterclass.
But fingers were pointed at the Dutchman - along with pretty much everyone else in light blue - following the 2-0 defeat to Union Saint Gilloise in Belgium which has left the Ibrox side with a mountain to climb to keep their Champions League dream alive. It was a laboured display from Van Bronckhorst’s team and they can’t afford a repeat against he Jupiler Pro League side in the return.
It leaves him with some big decisions to make ahead of what is a huge European night at Ibrox. He has options available which he didn’t have for the first game which is a boost - but will also give him plenty to think about. Having Alfredo Morelos available again is a good problem after being without the Colombian since the run-in last season.
Here, Record Sport looks at some of the issues facing Van Bronckhorst on a night when he has to get it spot on to defy the odds and make history by becoming the first Rangers manager to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit in Europe.
Goalkeeping debate
Former Rangers stars Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd have both been banging the drum for Allan McGregor to be restored to the No. 1 position. And it’s an issue that looks like it’s going to raise its head regularly this season. Jon McLaughlin conceded the type of goal in the first leg that would have seen fingers pointed at McGregor if he had allowed Teddy Teuma’s shot to get past him. Is McLaughlin good enough to be the Rangers first choice goalkeeper? And if a keeper of McGregor’s experience and quality is going to be back-up then what was the point in extending his contract? Those are two big questions. But the biggest one facing Van Bronckhorst on Tuesday night is who would you want between the sticks in a game with a potential £40 million riding on it? And, also of huge importance, who would the Rangers defence feel more confident with behind them?
Striking dilemma
Alfredo Morelos took just 43 minutes to find the net after almost five months out and it was a huge boost to everyone inside Ibrox Stadium on Saturday to see the Colombian back following surgery for a thigh injury. The 26-year-old comes alive on big European nights, the club’s record scorer on that stage, and he could write another glorious chapter.
But with only one half of competitive football since March then he’s unlikely to have enough in the tank to get a full 90 minutes. Antonio Colak knows all about starring at Ibrox on Champions League nights but it came as an opposing player when his double for Malmo sank Steven Gerrard’s men. The Croat has been starved of service so far in a Rangers shirt but showed what he can do with his goal against Kilmarnock on Saturday. His movement still doesn’t match Morelos and the latter would definitely be a better option but it’s just a question of whether to start with the South American or bring him off the bench.
Who partners Connor Goldson?
John Souttar came in for some criticism following his display against Livingston on the opening day but it has also emerged that the Scotland stopper has had off-field issues with the tragedy of losing his brother Aaron who died following a long battle with motor neurone disease, aged just 42. Souttar was replaced by James Sands during the Livi game and didn’t travel to Belgium and it remains to be seen if he will be available. Sands recovered from a difficult night and produced an assured display against Kilmarnock but this is a different test altogether. Ben Davies came on in Belgium but remained on the bench against Killie and this is the type of occasion Rangers spent relatively big money on him for.
Ryan Kent
Some will argue about his lack of goals and numbers but there can be no doubting the former Liverpool man is, like Morelos, one for the big occasion. The wide man was a big miss in Belgium and the Kilmarnock game came too early. But Van Bronckhorst said: “We are pushing hard to get him ready for Tuesday against Union.” The same questions applies as Morelos, does he start or come off the bench? Much will depend on how fit he is.
Fans
The Ibrox crowd has played its part in some recent epic Euro nights and they have a huge role to play on Tuesday. Twelve months ago Gerrard’s men faced a big task against Malmo and when Alfredo Morelos levelled the tie on aggregate the place was rocking. But Colak soon changed that and the mood can alter quickly. They will have to stick with the team and patience could be required.
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