Rousseau

Who down-voted Barrie?!

I think Senderos would be a decent signing. I was never convinced of him at Arsenal, but since then he's played for several good/decent sides at good/decent levels -- they must see something in him? It's easy to focus on his lack of playing time, but that is not something Warburton looks at; it's the character and qualities of the player that count. He is tall, powerful, got a bit of pace (certainly enough for our league!) and seems to be quite intelligent, speaking 5 languages. I'd be happy with this signing. Of course, I'll wait until we have proper confirmation!

The rankings seems to be reflecting Saturdays result. I dislike blaming individuals; for me there are usually a series of mistakes in defensive lapses. Sometimes it is just one players fault, but generally it's a series. On Saturday the midfield shield was non-existent: 3/4 times Burnley had a free run at our defense. This forces Hill et al to push out, causing them to get caught in no-mans land. Better covering from Kiernan may have helped, but it was already a dangerous situation. I'm surprised at the 'keeper ranking. I'm not sure what Gilks has really done, as he's not played much or had much to do; same goes with Wes. Perhaps we are judging on previous faults? I think they each have differing strengths. Gilks is more commanding in the air, but poor with his feet; Wes is the opposite. From there it comes down to personal preference. I prefer Wes for now. I think we have a man-oriented pressing system in midfield that doesn't suit Kranjcar or Barton; they are just not mobile enough. If we have those two in the starting-11 there has to be a more zonal set-up. For me, we are in a muddle with regards to defensive set-up rather than any individual failings.

Burnley are exactly the type of side to cause us problems. We struggled to break down their strong, well-organised defensive set-up and were caught on the break, with some poor defending added to the mix, and punished by a lethal finisher -- something we've not seen much of.

Much better second half, once the changes were made. I felt Hodson covered the centre-backs better, and Wilson was a better partner for Kiernan. (As frustrating as it is to admit, I think Kiernan and Wilson is our best pairing - Wilson was good when he came on). We managed to build through their midfield too with Forrester's movement -- Kranjcar just didn't provide any! Rossiter was solid, just like Barton before him. The most pleasing aspect was the incisive movement from O'Halloran, with Halliday finally having someone to link-up with. We couldn't get Dodoo into the game, but he kept looking for that ball in-behind that never came. We've learned nothing new: we're poor at the back. However, Burnley are the best side we're going to face this year.

Burnley are are not pressing high this half -- it is difficult to sustain. Maybe more opportunities for us this half?

Pretty much like-for-like changes from Burnley. Only one change for us: GIlks on for Wes -- better shot-stopper?

I think we'll see a few changes at Half-time.

I don't think it's pace up front, it's movement that is the issue: Miller needs someone to link with, and Halliday, Kranjcar haven't really provided it. Halliday has done a lot of running, but Kranjcar doesn't have the stamina for this game; WIndass might be a better option, but he's not in the squad. I think I'd prefer a Dodoo rather than Miller, with Waghorn through the middle. We do need more pace at the back, but they really should be helped by the midfield more. Barton can't cover what is essentially 4 players (Vokes, Gray, Arfield and Boyd)!

We've learned nothing new really. We're struggling to beat a well-organised press, and the mistakes we do make -- although less than last season, there have been a few instances this season thus far -- are well punished by a prolific and clinical striker in Gray. Organisation at the back is still poor and Kranjcar and Halliday haven't helped Barton cover -- Hill really shouldn't have to close the ball-carrier! Incidentally, I think Wilson and Kiernan would've been a better pairing... Hill is good when he has a high ball to attack though.

We're able to keep the ball easily enough, but we're struggling to break their press. We are unable to find Halliday and Kranjcar. With Burnley having two forwards high up the pitch, any misplaced pass is quickly and directly played through us.

Hill not fast enough to close down the ball-carrier and Kiernan not switched-on to cover the run by Gray in-behind. Simple.

Caught on the break, but I don't think it was a penalty. Maybe a foul at the edge of the box from the tugging, but he let go before Gray entered the box. Interestingly, Burnley are pressing high -- a lot different to the Stranraer-type sides parking the bus!

I'm disappointed to see Miller starting, for as good as he was last season, I was hoping to do without him this season -- except for the odd game. But, it's a strong team. Looking forward to seeing how Hill and Kiernan -- and the defense in general -- do against a better outfit.

MARK WARBURTON has made two changes to the side which will take to the Ibrox pitch against Premier League Burnley this afternoon. From the team that defeated Stranraer 3-0 on Monday night, out go Danny Wilson and Harry Forrester, with Clint Hill and Kenny Miller coming in for them. That means the starting XI is a back five of Wes Foderingham in goals, James Tavernier, Rob Kiernan, Clint Hill and captain Lee Wallace. In midfield, Joey Barton will sit with Niko Kranjcar and Andy Halliday in front of him, while up front, Barrie McKay and Martyn Waghorn will support Kenny Miller. There are eight substitutes on the Rangers bench, with Warburton planning to use all but one of them. Goalkeeper Matt Gilks will come on for Foderingham at half time, while on the hour mark, Lee Hodson, Danny Wilson, Jordan Rossiter, Joe Dodoo, Michael O’Halloran and Harry Forrester will all make their bow. The subs bench is completed by youngster Jordan Thompson. Today’s game is live on RangersTV.tv all over the world, including the UK and Ireland with commentary brought to you by Tom Miller and Peter Lovenkrands. RANGERS: Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Hill, Wallace; Halliday, Barton, Kranjcar; McKay, Miller, Waghorn. SUBS: Gilks, Hodson, Wilson, Rossiter, Dodoo, O’Halloran, Forrester, Thompson. http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/two-changes-clarets/

MARK WARBURTON is looking forward to going head to head with his friend Sean Dyche at Ibrox tomorrow. The Gers boss is expecting a tough task against English Premiership opponents as the Light Blues continue preparation for the opening League game of the season against Hamilton at Ibrox next weekend. Warburton has been rotating his squad throughout the League Cup group campaign to ensure all of his squad have had adequate game time and he expects the clash with Burnley to be the final big test before the League season kicks off. He said: “I’ve spoken to Sean and they will be very strong, certainly for the first seventy minutes or more. “They are a English Premiership side who won the Championship last season deservedly last year. They are a top team, so it will be a real test for us. “I can’t speak highly enough about Sean (Dyche), Ian Woan and the job they have done at Burnley with the players. “To just miss out on Premiership safety, to get relegated and then to perform the way that they did last year is an outstanding feat. “It’s a tough, tough division where there’s no easy games. It’s a real slog with lots of tough games against high quality opponents. “For them to come out and perform as they did and to win the division as they did, is a fantastic achievements.” Burnley travelled north to Ibrox last season and a goal from former Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield was the difference between the sides. Warburton knows exactly the threat that will be posed tomorrow, especially as he has worked with some of the Clarets players before. He continued: “We know the quality that they possess, they have players like Andre Gray and James Tarkowski, who I know very well from my Brentford days. “They have some really good individuals, they are really well organised, well structured and well managed, so they will be a real test for us. “They learnt from the last episode, they missed out very narrowly on securing safety, so there’s no doubt they will be better for it. “They have made some good additions and financially they are in good shape as well. “In Sean they have a very talented manager, with great support staff behind him and talented squad of players so there’s no reason they can’t stay up this season.” http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/burnley-will-test/

Possibly. Like I said, I really don't have a scooby when it comes to team selection; we have so many options that I don't envy Warburton's choice. It bodes well, though!

Premier League returnees Burnley are welcomed to Ibrox on Saturday for what will be our final pre-season game before our long-awaited return to the Scottish top-flight. Despite the last four games being competitive in nature, it has been a gentle introduction to the new league campaign, with Burnley our last and toughest assignment. Mark Warburton has been generous with his squad rotation, and while we have gradually seen a distilling of the first-XI, it's still tricky to pick our strongest XI. Saturday will perhaps give us a glimpse of the team to begin our Premiership campaign next week. While our last few games have been in the League Cup, they have essentially been pre-season games. Lower league opponents, Stranraer, East Stirling and Annan, proved no real test. Motherwell were arguably our toughest opponent, and certainly the highest positioned side we faced, but the game came early and both sides were nowhere near full fitness. But, 4 wins from 4, 10 goals scored and zero conceded saw us top Group F and qualify for the next stage; job done, with a few highlights and nothing much to complain about. Warburton has been vocal in his criticism of the pre-season schedule, but it has allowed him to be generous in his squad rotation and allowed most of the new signings the opportunity to get game-time. In many ways he had no choice but to field a patchwork side; 4 games in 9 days is a grueling schedule at the best of times, but even more problematic when one's squad is still feeling the effects of the summer break, where injury is a real concern. Ideally you would like 5-6 games, gradually building-up quality and intensity. While the first part of pre-season has been less than perfect, presumably the last game provides the step-up in quality and intensity required to elevate the side to peak physical condition? In contrast, Burnley have perhaps had the type of pre-season Warburton would've preferred -- not too surprising as Warburton and Sean Dyche, great friend off the pitch, are from the same footballing school; with Dyche the more conservative and pragmatic of the two in terms of style. An easy win against Swiss amateurs FC Stade Nyonnais was followed up by a draw against Morecambe, and then wins against Bradford and Bolton. This gradual increase in quality and intensity will see them face Rangers next, before heading back to Turf Moor for their final pre-season game against Spanish side Real Sociedad. It has been an indifferent period for Burnley in terms of new signings, with more going out than coming in thus far. A couple of loan returns and a couple of youth signings has been about the most of it. The only real first-team acquisition has been Charlton's Johann Berg Gudmundsson; the fast winger had a fantastic Euro Championship campaign with Iceland last month. The big movements have been departures: Michael Duff and Steven Reid, Premier League regulars from two season ago, have left; but the most high profile, and interesting for us, is the departure of Club Player-Of-The-Year Joey Barton to Rangers. Despite the less than ideal pre-season preparation for Warburton's men, it has perhaps been a blessing in disguise, allowing several new signings get game time. The light squad last season has seen 7 first-team players added and now looks to have real strength in depth; so much so that picking a first-XI looks a difficult prospect. In fact, Warburton has stated that he doesn’t want to know his best 11 because, for him, it won’t matter this season; he expects to use every player to the max during the forthcoming campaign. Speaking to RangersTV, Warburton said: “It’s not about the best 11, it’s about the squad; 11 won’t win anything this season. We have to make sure we have a squad there where everyone understands their role and maintains a real level of fitness and desire.” (http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/warburton-squad-aims/) Dyche typically has his teams line up in a 4-4-2, and going by their pre-season he doesn't look like deviating. Burnley blew away the league last season with a pragmatic, disciplined and direct style. Burnley play with two out-and-out strikers (or one will drop into the hole), who look to play on the shoulder. Vokes, Gray and Barnes all took turns playing up front, and all possess power and pace in abundance. Warburton knows Andre Gray well, having bought him for Brentford before selling for an undisclosed fee reported to be over £7m -- something Warburton is quick to reference when asked about player value. Instead of playing with traditional wingers, Dyche prefers inverted wingers. George Boyd and former Falkirk player Scott Arfield tend to play in the half-space to provide guile, creating a makeshift 4-2-2-2 in attack. Both full-backs are conservative but provide the width, and always look to get crosses into the box for the big target-men. The back four is usually protected by two DMs, with Barton and Marney doing the job last year; Marney has continued this role with Jones coming in to replace Barton. This set-up doesn't look like changing, and looks to be the team Rangers will face at 3pm on Saturday. Rangers also have a settled way of playing, but Burnley look to be the perfect foil for that style. Burnley will be well-disciplined in defense, and quick on the counter. Their direct, counter-attacking play caused untold damage to side after side last season, steering them to the Championship title. They can build up slowly from the back, but with pace out wide and up-front, they will be dangerous. On top of that, they have strong, powerful players throughout; most of whom are excellent in the air. Both are areas where we struggled last season. Predicting a potential line-up is tricky. Quite frankly, I don't have a scooby! And the best XI discussion thread on Gersnet (http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?79246-Four-games-in-what-s-our-best-first-XI) was hardly conclusive. If I head to guess -- and it would be a guess -- I'd go: My prediction even omits Dodoo, Windass, Holt, O'Halloran, Hill, Rossiter and Miller; all arguably deserve a place in the side. We have a good sized squad, with several players who can play a variety of positions, and all of comparable quality. It's a really nice position to be in, and it can only bring a smile to the face of many a Rangers fan. The last time we played Burnley was during last season's pre-season, when they won 0-1. It was a stiff test last year and will be again. However, with our added quality, increased comfort in playing Warburton's philosophy, and perhaps also that we are slightly ahead of Burnley in our pre-season schedule, could lead to an evenly matched game. Burnley potentially have the tools to rip us apart, so it will be a big test of our side. But, we're confident in our style of play, and I'd expect to see us dominate possession and hopefully score a few goals. The real test will be the defensive aspect: can we add to the 4 clean sheets picked-up already? At the very least, this match will give us a glimpse of the starting line-up for next weeks Premiership opener against Hamilton. That's what this game is all about: wracking up the quality and intensity so we are at peak physical fitness; the final test before we kick-off our long-awaited top-flight return.

You spelt Cooponthewing incorrectly...

I'll do the Burnley game.

Ah, BBC Alba... A welcoming resource throughout the long journey back to the SPL. I'll miss the incomprehensible mutterings of the commentator interspersed with English punditry, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on it for various games this year.

Yes, he was always box-to-box, but he's reverted to a DM role as he's got older; it utilises his good tackling and organisational skills.

Of course the kids want to play; that's not the issue. The issue is what they are being taught. There are lots of enthusiastic kids coming through, but they are shite footballers, and aren't improved in the slightest by coaches in this country. I somewhat disagree that these coaches shouldn't need qualifications. Perhaps not traditional University degrees, but I certainly expect a UEFA coaching degree; and for them to be students of the game, not relying on what went before and what they've done. Carlo Ancelotti is a student of the game, even penning research articles/papers on football as he learned the ropes as an assistant. In my opinion Italian coaches are the best, tactically, in the world, because of that academic element ingrained early.

I doubt Ball is quite what we require. Promising young player, but no matter how good we think he is, or can be, he did struggle to get ahead of 'dumb and dumber' last season (I don't think Wilson and Kiernan are that bad but love that label -- thanks TB!). Ball was 2nd choice at DM and 3rd choice a CB; we now have better players in both positions, so where does that leave him? As GS said, Ball might be good for competition, but I'd prefer a better first-choice CB to be signed.

Having seen little of the last game, I'm looking forward to seeing some of the new guys. I think Dodoo will play some part, if not start.