Philippe Clement faces tricky team selection decisions ahead of ‘Huge’ Lyon clash
Rangers must build on their narrow Premiership victory over Hibernian if they are to beat Lyon on Thursday, according to Bill Leckie.
Writing in his column for The Scottish Sun (29 September), Leckie highlighted the magnitude of the Gers’ Europa League tie at Ibrox on 3 October, particularly compared to weekly domestic action.
Leckie added that with Philippe Clement’s side being expected to win their league fixtures, these must act as part of the build-up to facing much better opponents – like Lyon – on the continent.
He said: “With huge European fixtures like this Thursday’s at home to Lyon to plan for, that makes every weekend the trickiest of balancing acts for Clement – in terms of team selection, tactics, the lot.”
Philippe Clement’s confident Rangers must be ready to host Lyon
While doubts will clearly remain over the long-term potential of Clement’s new-look Gers squad this season, at present there is no reason for confidence not to be sky-high.
Clement will be the first to admit that his side haven’t been perfect in their last four matches across all competitions, but fan’s couldn’t ask for much more than four straight wins and clean sheets apiece.
Tom Lawrence’s back-to-back league winners have helped to quash questions over his place in the side, while Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland’s goals gave the Light Blues a statement win in Malmo.
With Cyriel Dessers also in the goals up front, with seven across 11 matches in all competitions so far this season, there is strength at both ends as the Gers prepare to host Lyon on Thursday.
Lyon pose arguably the toughest test Clement’s side have faced since their 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park before the international break, but the Bears are well-placed to avoid a repeat of that disappointment.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement got animated in his post-match press conference after the win against Hibs on Sunday.
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