Kris Boyd calls for change after ‘huge blow’, names his Rangers lineup v Celtic
Kris Boyd believes the loss of Alfredo Morelos is a ‘huge blow’ for Rangers ahead of their clash with Celtic, and has suggested a change in formation to cope.
The Blues will be without the Colombian striker for a number of weeks due to a thigh injury, meaning Kemar Roofe will likely step into the striker role for the Old Firm clash on Sunday.
Boyd, who was writing in his Daily Record column, believes the injury is a ‘major shock’ to the system for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and has suggested a switch of formation to cope with his absence going forward.
“The injury to Alfredo Morelos is a major shock to Rangers’ system,” he said.
“The Ibrox boss has switched to a 3-5-2 during Europa League games in the last few weeks. Van Bronckhorst has yet to start with that set-up in the league — but the time could arrive against Celtic at Ibrox.
“Losing Morelos to injury is a huge blow for Rangers. There’s no getting away from it. But I’d be tempted to pair him up with Ryan Kent in a 3-5-2.
“John Lundstram can play in the middle of a back three with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, and has the versatility to step out when needed.
“Wing-backs James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey pick themselves, with Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara in midfield.
“Rangers used that system for Borussia Dortmund and Red Star Belgrade and it got results. Maybe some would view that set-up as giving Celtic too much respect — but it’s about finding the best solution to win.
“A 3-5-2 helps Rangers handle Celtic’s attacking threat better, while still equipping them to cause problems. Kent didn’t get much joy out of Josip Juranovic on the left wing last time, but he would thrive in the space of that free role off Roofe.”
Risky
Rangers have been in great form recently, and while they’ve struggled domestically they have managed to come through and get results when needed.
If the squad can’t get themselves up for a home game against Celtic where the title is essentially on the line, then they’re all in the wrong job at the wrong club.
With that said though, without Morelos it’s hard for the team to play in the same way and expect the same level of quality up front without him.
By changing the system it offers up new problems for Celtic to deal with, while also giving them a numerical advantage in midfield and giving Roofe support in attack to perform at his best.
It may seem like a more defensive switch by adding in a defender, but used correctly it could be a hugely effective attacking weapon and is definitely something worth thinking about.
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