Hugh MacDonald: Rangers could be in trouble on the front foot v Liverpool
Glasgow Times journalist Hugh MacDonald believes Rangers could be in trouble if they “have a go” during their Champions League fixture against Liverpool.
The Gers head into the fixture bottom of their group knowing that their hopes of playing European football beyond the new year are very slim.
Liverpool head to Ibrox in poor form domestically, however, MacDonald believes it could be “carnage” if Rangers commit too many players forward.
MacDonald said [PLZ Soccer show, 40:01, 11 October]: “‘Having a go’ is a tremendous little phrase but it all depends on what they can put into practice. To have a go players need to be ahead of the ball and the players will have to be prepared to go beyond each other.
“If you’re doing that against Liverpool with people on the front foot, then going the other way, it will be carnage. I think Liverpool win 2-0.”
Perfect balance
No matter what form Liverpool find themselves in, it’s going to be a tough balancing act to get right for Rangers. Jurgen Klopp’s side are still amongst the best teams in Europe and possesses some of the best players on the planet.
MacDonald is spot on in his assumption of how Rangers need to tackle the fixture. The Gers must ensure they aren’t too gung-ho in their approach as they could all of a sudden be ripped apart of the break. Ensuring they’re aggressive out of possession but also disciplined when on the ball will be crucial.
The Light Blues simply have to take something from this game to really put the pressure on Ajax in the race for third place in the group. If Rangers can be in a position where it’s a shootout against the Dutch side in their final fixture at Ibrox then they stand a good chance.
Qualification into the Europa League does seem a long way off and it would be a remarkable achievement from the Gers should they manage it.
In other Rangers news, Premier League and European clubs eye defender Leon King.