match thread (image) [FT] Kilmarnock 0 - 1 Rangers (Tavernier 19 pen)

[Frankie 8,651]

After yet another win, yet another clean sheet and yet another match without an opposition shot on target, it wasn't really a surprise to see Steven Gerrard get frustrated with one journalist in the post-Poznan presser when asked about Rangers managing to win despite not playing well in a supposed '7/10 performance'.  The manager's sharp retort was understandable: yes, we may not always be at our very best in every game but that need not mean we played badly, just that the opposition can be of a standard to provide an actual contest where grit, hard work and patience can be just as important as composure, technique and wonder goals from the half-way line.

 

In that respect, Rangers have not been found lacking this season.  There has been an undoubted addition of quality into our play in general but industry and organisation have been just as important in several games which is why, so far at least, no-one has beaten us.  Of course we've not been at our best in every game - that's impossible - but it's easy to forget we've played our nearest challengers of Celtic, Hibs and Aberdeen all away from home with only two points dropped out of the nine available and that, arguably was down to an avoidable error, compounded by an offside equaliser.  Meanwhile, at Parkhead and Pittodrie, we controlled the games and again, without being fantastic, deservedly won both.

 

There have also been some weak arguments that Rangers are a one-trick pony, capable of playing just the one way and struggling to adapt in certain situations.  A 0-0 draw at Livingston in mid August could certainly provide evidence of such a point of view, as well as several games under Gerrard in previous seasons, but this campaign seems different.  Rangers absolutely do have a game-plan of course but that's not to say we're predictable.  For example, the manager clearly prefers a 4-3-3 but that can vary depending on the venue and the opposition.  We sometimes prefer the 4-2-3-1 variation, often used in European games away from home to counter attack with a lower block but we're equally comfortable with a 4-3-2-1 which allows to push our wing backs much further up the park and look to dominate games with a higher press.  Clearly, personnel choice within both systems can also affect our strategy and the acquisition of players like Roofe, Itten and Zungu - as well as an obvious difference in what has been asked of Alfredo Morelos - means the management team have put a lot of thought into tactical flexibility.

 

With that in mind, as usual, a trip to Rugby Park will be a stern test of all our abilities.  Killie will be well organised, physical, dangerous on the counter and eager to puncture our increasing morale.  Does that mean we look to match them in midfield with the oft-criticised partnership of Jack and Kamara going toe to toe with Power and Dicker?  Do we push our full-backs forward and leave gaps for the likes of Burke, Kiltie and Brophy?  Which centre-half should deal with the physical presence of Nicke Kabamba?  How best can we expose changes to their defence after their loss to injury of former Hearts centre-back Clevid Dikamona?  What effect, if any, should the pitch and forecast stormy weather have on our selection?

 

All these questions aren't easy to answer which demonstrates Rangers are flexible.  And, our starting XIs from the last two games show the manager will make changes where necessary with five in the matches at Liege and against Livi as well.  However, it could be argued our performances in those two games have been somewhat disjointed at times so, chances are there will be less for Sunday.

 

Change one should see a return to the left side of central defence for Filip Helander whom has been rotated with Leon Balogun of late.  Despite an injury keeping the big Swede out for the best part of nine months, he has featured twice on artificial surfaces this season so his aerial presence and calmness at the back may be preferred this weekend.  The rest of the defence should be as expected, barring any knocks from the Lech Poznan win.  Calvin Bassey is just one backup player who has done very well when called upon and his physical presence may well be used at some point this weekend.

 

Midfield should see one further change with Ryan Jack a likely starter in what I'd expect to be a three on Sunday as part of a 4-3-2-1.  I'd fancy Glen Kamara will be part of that trio with Scott Arfield retained to provide a threat running from deeper areas.  Although new signing Bongani Zungu may well be looked to in such games going forward, his lack of match sharpness make him an unlikely starter this weekend.  Steven Davis will most probably be rested after playing the last two full matches and I believe Joe Aribo will be used in one of the two number 10 roles this system utilises.

 

That leaves two more roles to fill in the XI and most probably one further change with Alfredo Morelos, fresh off Thursday night's header winner, likely to lead the line backed up by the afore-mentioned Joe Aribo and the ever-reliable Ryan Kent.  The latter hasn't quite been in the same top form he showed earlier in the season but continues to contribute in a defensive sense which will be important against a team like Killie who are comfortable on the counter.  However, if the manager does fancy one more change then Brandon Barker or Jordan Jones could start with both doing decent jobs lately.  Their selection may well depend on the system deployed and as much as I'm favouring the 4-3-2-1, our 5-1 win at Motherwell one month ago shows a 4-2-3-1 can be just as effective.

 

All things considered, it's a big bonus for all connected with Rangers to have so many options available and the standard of the squad testament to how far we've come under Gerrard.  Our form so far this season has shown further improvement and only the most churlish of supporters would be unhappy with where we sit right now.  However, with a yellow Met Office warning for rain and wind, Rangers will need to weather another Killie storm on Sunday afternoon with the outcome being just one more indication of our chances of silverware on the SPFL pressure barometer.

 

Will the dodgy 4G surface of Rugby Park display another artificial title challenge from Rangers or is this, finally, the real thing?

 

Possible team (4-3-2-1):

 

 

[Frankie 8,651]

In terms of team news, Gerrard has said at today's press conference that Morelos and Jack picked up a couple of knocks last night but should hopefully be ok for Sunday...

[onevision 1,587]

3 hours ago, Frankie said:

In terms of team news, Gerrard has said at today's press conference that Morelos and Jack picked up a couple of knocks last night but should hopefully be ok for Sunday...

I'd be more surprised if Kent, Roofe and Balogun are not on the treatment table and doubtful for Sunday due to the dreadful challenges last night.

Edited October 30, 2020 by onevision

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,806]

IMO, this our biggest test of the season. We now know we can get the better of and beat the bheasts but this is where we have failed in the past few years. We have a lead at the top, the other lot are not on league duty but we face a test on the plastic pitch against a team that will be dogged. 

[craig 5,199]

31 minutes ago, BlackSocksRedTops said:

IMO, this our biggest test of the season. We now know we can get the better of and beat the bheasts but this is where we have failed in the past few years. We have a lead at the top, the other lot are not on league duty but we face a test on the plastic pitch against a team that will be dogged. 

I agree.  We have an opportunity to apply increased pressure on Celtic given they arent on league duty, and at a ground they have dropped points this season.  We must continue to apply that pressure to a creaking Celtic.

 

We have gone away to Aberdeen, Hibs and Celtic and returned with 7 from 9 points (with the only two points dropped being thanks to an offside goal for Hibs) which is commendable.  From those same 3 games Celtic have only had 4 points (two of those games were at home rather than away) - so arguably the 2nd round of fixtures are more difficult for them - we need to make it doubly so by continuing to pick up 3 points and ensuring that Celtic have zero breathing room to drop points.

 

They haven't had this kind of pressure in a decade - we mustn't let them off the hook.

 

3 points a must tomorrow - and I couldn't care less how ugly it is achieved. 

[26th of foot 6,113]

Tomorrow's game is a hurdle.

 

Steven Gerrard's Rangers have visited Rugby Park on six occasions, winning two, drawing one, and losing three. The wins were a last minute Goldson header in the league, and a 1-3 victory in the League Cup. The draw was a 1-1 Scottish Cup tie, and all three defeats were 2-1 in the league.

 

The pitch is a factor, whether we like to admit it or not. I know we have a similar surface at Auchenhowie and I am sure we utilise it during the build ups to visiting Rugby Park. The ball moves slower in possession keeping cross field passing. It moves quicker when put over the top. The bounce varies, and we have had two players(Murphy and Waghorn) seriously injured on the surface. We must overcome the trepedation.

 

I have said this before when a Killie match comes on to the horizon, and I'll say it again because it's a fact. Killie play a triangle of defensive midfielders around the centre circle. Tough tackling, hard running, and continually playing right on the edge; Dicker, Power, and Mulumbu hold position, no matter the score, state of the game. Often, Mulumbu will be subbed by Tshibola, a doppelganger. The trio will show you the flanks, the biting tackles begin 10-15 yards outside the box, and any successful intervention sees an immediate ball flung forward for Burke/Brophy.

 

Interestingly, all three defeats have seen Rangers score first, then have opportunities to double/treble our lead, but they are passed up. Killie squeeze twenty yards further up the park, and the ball is flung into our box from all angles. Europe will have left us slightly leggy, but we MUST start strong and fast, grab a couple of goals and force Killie to change it.

 

Hoping for lots of positivity tomorrow.

[gisabeer 409]

Jack has to be the first name on the team sheet.   We missed him badly on thursday!

[Gonzo79 15,299]

This is a big game.  Gerrard's record there is poor and if we intend to improve on the last two seasons, Rugby Park is as good as place as any to do so.

 

I'd play the strongest available team - no messing about or tinkering.  If we win, it's statement of intent.  Drop points and it's going to look like nothing has changed (albeit the scum seem to have gotten worse, so it's not a total disaster). 

 

We can't get carried away about beating them or doing well in Europe because Gerrard has achieved both of these things without winning trophies.

Edited October 31, 2020 by Gonzo79

[RANGERRAB 3,729]

Team selection & tactics are crucial. There’s no room for nice football on this dreadful surface.

Playing the ball out from the back is risky. Often the long ball out from defence is the best option.

I might be tempted to go with Itten up front to give us the option of holding the ball up & bringing others into play.

And maybe Jones for a rugby park return in place of Kent who’s been quiet of late.

[compo 7,183]

I would be telling my boys shoot on sight and the rest of you get ready to hammer in any rebounds never mind any fancy dan football