Rangers: Philippe Clement has big Scott Wright decision to make at half-time v Benfica
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has a big decision to make at half-time against Benfica after a goalless first half.
The Gers had the better of things overall in the opening 45 minutes of Thursday’s (14 March) Europa League last-16 second leg.
However, Benfica looked very dangerous on the counter-attack and were quick to pounce on any errors from the hosts.
Indeed, Ally McCoist regularly mentioned on commentary for TNT Sports that the Gers were far too open in midfield.
The Rangers favourite also pointed out that the hosts were “at their most vulnerable when getting forward”, which Clement has to rectify.
Clement may well be tempted to put an extra midfielder into the side for the second half to help give his side more control.
That would mean an attacker would have to make way, with Scott Wright the most vulnerable out on the right-hand side.
Wright was selected over Rabbi Matondo to start the game in the absence of the injured Dujon Sterling, with Ross McCausland another absentee.
However, he failed to do a great deal with his 21 touches of the ball in the first half [Sofascore], with no key chances created.
Indeed, Wright completed just four of his 12 passes for a 33-per-cent completion rate. The worry for Clement is one of those passes is turned over and leads to a Benfica counter.
Taking off anyone at half-time would be harsh with the tie locked at 2-2 on aggregate, but Clement has showed he is not afraid to make some big calls.
Fabio Silva is a game-changer and Tom Lawrence had some bright moments in the first 45, while Cyriel Dessers has no direct competition, so it makes sense to keep them on.
Replacing Wright with Nico Raskin would give Rangers an extra holder, while Silva and Lawrence could then flank Dessers.
If there is one area Clement’s men are going to lose this game, it is likely to be through a quick break from the opposition.
Clement can ensure that does not happen by taking the brutal action at the midway point in a delicately poised tie.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton made a U-turn with comments made regarding a Gers regular.
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