Celtic will laugh at Rabbi Matondo, Rangers star must be axed at half-time v Ross County
Rangers must take advantage of their dominance over Ross County in the second half and Philippe Clement must axe Rabbi Matondo at half-time.
Rangers need to find the back of the net against Ross County at Ibrox on Wednesday 14 February, with a winning margin of three goals enough to send them top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season.
Cyriel Dessers put the hosts ahead after just five minutes as he netted his ninth league goal of the season, but the Gers struggled to capitalise on their dominance from this point forward.
Dessers should have had a brace five minutes later when he latched onto a long ball forward from Ridvan Yilmaz but the striker could only hit the post, as question marks over his lack of cutting edge in front of goal continue to be justified.
Rangers’ dominance continued as Matondo flashed a shot just wide of the far post in the 14th minute before his strike was tipped just over moments later, and Clement’s side arguably should have had the three goals they needed after just a quarter of an hour played.
Dessers and Matondo could be seen arguing with each other after the former missed another chance midway through the half as frustrations began to build.
And that frustration reached a head as the visitors equalised against the run of play in the 29th minute through Simon Murray.
Dessers did get his second of the match on the stroke of half-time, but Clement and his players know they need more.
Rangers and Clement need goals
The Gers have never lost to Ross County in 23 meetings between the two sides, winning 19 of those clashes.
They should be well on their way to another win against the Staggies after registering 20 shots compared to Ross County’s three during the first half, but they now find themselves only ahead by one at the break and if they want to go top they need another two goals in the second half.
With that in mind, Clement should consider taking Matondo off at halftime. The 23-year-old has been lively, but he has been wasteful in front of goal, missing a couple of clear-cut chances.
Oscar Cortes was left out ahead of kick-off but could be introduced for the second half.
The forward grabbed an assist during his first start for the Gers in their 2-0 win over Ayr United in the Scottish FA Cup on Saturday 10 February, and that is the kind of quality Clement needs in the second 45 minutes.
In other Rangers news, the club have called for an immediate meeting with Neil Doncaster.
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