Philippe Clement told to axe Rangers star Todd Cantwell for Old Firm clash v Celtic in Fabio Silva twist
Neil McCann has told Rangers manager Philippe Clement to axe Todd Cantwell and start Fabio Silva and Tom Lawrence for the Old Firm clash with Celtic.
The Gers make the trip across Glasgow to Parkhead on Saturday (11 May) knowing that they need to win their first Old Firm clash under Clement to really keep their slim Premiership title hopes alive.
While most are expecting the Belgian to name an attacking side to attempt to put the Hoops under pressure in the opening exchanges, Go Radio pundit McCann has urged Clement to drop Cantwell to strengthen at the back.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (10 May, 14:10) he said: “I just think if you’re getting Silva up there with Dessers you’ve got two guys that are going to occupy centre-backs. That means one of those full-backs for Celtic if not both of them needs to narrow up.
“That will get both Rangers fullbacks into an advanced position. I think Lawrence as a ten, his goal last week was very, very good. Todd Cantwell, I remember doing the game and I remember saying it was a lesson today from Callum McGregor.
“He bossed the whole game and I said it was a lesson to Todd Cantwell because he was in that area. I just feel that Lawrence is more equipped going backwards and I think Rangers need to guard against conceding early and I think he gives you a little bit more structure.”
Will Rangers manager Philippe Clement start Todd Cantwell v Fabio Silva?
Most Rangers fans would like to see Clement head across Glasgow all guns blazing, after all, the Gers do need to win to keep their title hopes alive and they won’t claim all three points unless they get on the scoresheet.
But the Belgian does have to accommodate for the Hoops’ own attacking power and he won’t want to leave himself short of defensive cover, so it is unlikely he will name all three of Silva, Cantwell and Lawrence in his starting XI.
Cantwell has been criticised in the past by pundits and supporters alike for ghosting through Old Firm matches in particular and the Englishman is really yet to show that he can command a game like Matt O’Riley.
Because of that, Clement may well opt to follow McCann’s advice and drop the former Norwich City man to the bench. Not every fan would agree with that decision, but it could be the best call for the Gers when the chips are down.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has predicted the result of the Gers Old Firm showdown with the Hoops at Parkhead
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