Chris Sutton: ‘Major’ James Tavernier threat to pose dilemma for Brendan Rodgers ahead of Rangers showdown v Celtic
Chris Sutton has highlighted James Tavernier as a “major threat” ahead of the Rangers clash against Celtic on Saturday (30 December).
Writing on the Daily Record website on Friday (29 December), the pundit said Brendan Rodgers has a dilemma on his hands over which wing to play Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda after the latter has previously been a “real asset” defensively against the 32-year-old Gers captain.
He added that the Japanese international has the “running power” to stick with the English right-back, who can cause problems with his attacking work from open play.
“Talking of wingers, I sense a dilemma for Rodgers in terms of which sides to deploy Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda,” said Sutton. “In the past, Maeda has been a real asset on the left in the contest because of the way he hounds James Tavernier.
“The Rangers captain is a major threat from open play with his attacking work and the Japanese has the running power to stick with him and nullify some of that danger.
“But if he does switch left to combat that, Palma’s talent for stepping inside to play deft passes or strike for goal on his favoured right side would be lost. It’s going to be a balancing act for Rodgers and, whatever he decides, he needs Kyogo on song.”
Key battle
There is no doubt that the battle down Rangers’ right-hand side of the pitch could have a major impact on how this game is decided.
The majority of the Gers’ attacking play comes through Tavernier after he already has 15 goals and six assists to his name in just 31 appearances this season.
The right-back has been integral in helping Philippe Clement get off to an excellent start to life in Glasgow, having put together a 16-match unbeaten run.
While the Light Blues can’t go top with a victory after their game against Ross County on Wednesday (27 December) was postponed, this is a massive match in terms of the SPFL title race.
There is no doubt that both managers will be setting their teams up to go out and win the game because more than just bragging rights are at stake this time around at Parkhead.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has tipped one player to be a “surprise” star under Clement at Ibrox.