Philippe Clement to start ‘game-changers’ Abdallah Sima and Danilo vs Sparta Prague as Rangers ‘need a Euro hero’
Abdallah Sima and Danilo are the “game-changers” and “match-winners” for Rangers boss Philippe Clement so are sure to start vs Sparta Prague, according to Chris Jack.
The journalist highlighted the pair in his predicted XI for Rangers Review on 9 November, ahead of the crucial Europa League clash at Ibrox with the two sides level on four points in Group C.
Jack says “Rangers need a Euro hero”, on a night where a win would put the Light Blues within touching distance of the knock-out stages with two games to play while a defeat would leave them facing an uphill battle to qualify.
Jack has tipped Todd Cantwell and Sam Lammers to round out the attacking unit in Glasgow in a game where the Gers are likely to need goals.
Opportunity
The advantage of the Ibrox crowd on a European night can’t be understated despite Clement securing a creditable draw, eventually, in the away tie on 26 October – the only game he hasn’t won since replacing Michael Beale.
Advancing in Europe is not the primary objective for the Belgian this season as the chance to secure the Viaplay Cup next month and a push to close the gap on Celtic in the SPFL surely take precedence.
But just two years removed from a memorable run to the final of this competition in Seville it would be a major bonus if the new manager can stage something of a repeat.
And with momentum clearly building behind his newly-galvanised squad he will surely want to avoid anything that might derail the progress, such as a home defeat in Europe.
Sima has scored nine goals in all competitions so far, and in the expected absence of Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and Scott Wright is certain to start as the primary wide option in the squad.
Danilo has five after his progress was interrupted by a fractured cheek bone, but two goals and three assists in his past three appearances have clearly established him as the primary striker at Ibrox.
Jack is right that they are the danger men for this Rangers side, with Cantwell well below his best currently, it still unclear what Lammers’ best even looks like, and other attacking options affected by injury or lack of action, so much of the team’s fortunes may rest on their shoulders.
In other Rangers news, a confirmed new arrival at the club has been blown away in an “unbelievable” reaction.