As Rangers fans, we’ve come to expect nothing less than victory when it comes to these crucial matches, especially when the stakes are as high as they are this week. Philippe Clement faces a series of tough decisions ahead of tonight’s must-win clash against Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden. The aftermath of our hard-fought victory over Motherwell leaves much to ponder, particularly regarding the lineup that will take the field. Will Clement make the bold calls that could define our season, or will he stick with the tried and tested? Here’s what we think should happen.
The £5 Million Motivation: Beyond Just the Win
Before diving into the tactical decisions, let’s address the elephant in the room—what’s at stake financially. A win tonight would secure Rangers a cool £5 million in Champions League money. This isn’t just a windfall; it’s a lifeline for the ongoing rebuild under Clement. We believe that the Rangers Manager is about 50% of the way through where he wants to be for this transfer window, and this cash injection could be crucial in bringing in the additional pieces. This isn’t just about progression on the pitch; it’s about laying the foundation for future success.
Robin Propper: Adding Control to the Defence
First things first, let’s talk defense. With the news that Leon Balogun has picked up a niggle, the door swings wide open for Robin Propper to step into the limelight. Propper has been solid and reliable—qualities we desperately need right now. John Souttar, on the other hand, has been a bit shaky, but it seems likely he’ll partner Propper at the back. Think of Souttar as the Batman to Propper’s Robin; one complements the other, and together they should be able to handle Kyiv’s attack. But let’s be clear: Propper is the key here. His experience and composure will be vital in keeping things tight at the back.
The Midfield Shuffle: Time to Trust Diomande
One of the biggest debates among us fans has been the makeup of our midfield. Clement has a penchant for sticking with what’s worked in the past, but tonight, we’re hoping he finally listens to what many of us have been saying for weeks. It’s time to push Mohamed Diomande further up the pitch into the number 10 role. His creativity and speed can be game-changers, especially against a team like Kyiv, who are dangerous in transition.
To make this work, Dujon Sterling needs to come into the centre of the park alongside Connor Barron. Sterling’s power, speed, and ball-winning ability would add much-needed resilience to our midfield, allowing Diomande the freedom to do what he does best—create chances and unlock defenses. We’ve seen glimpses of this potential, and tonight could be the perfect opportunity to unleash it fully.
The Left-Wing Conundrum: Time for Jefte to Shine
Now, onto the left-wing position—a spot that has been a thorn in our side for quite some time. Scott Wright has been the go-to option, but let’s be honest, his performances have left much to be desired. For too long, we’ve watched Wright struggle to make an impact, and it’s about time Clement makes a change. Enter Jefte.
Jefte’s impact last week in Lublin was nothing short of electric. He more than merits a place in the starting XI tonight. His pace, energy, and direct style could cause all sorts of problems for Kyiv. We’ve seen what he can do when given the chance, and this is the perfect stage for him to prove why he should be a regular starter.
Vaclav Cerny: The Wildcard
Lastly, we can’t overlook the potential impact of Vaclav Cerny. While Clement has been cautious about starting him, there’s no denying the Czech winger’s quality. Yes, he’s still building up his full fitness, but his performance against Motherwell showed exactly what he brings to the table. His movement and direct approach were pivotal in creating the goal that kept us alive in this tie. If Cerny is fit enough, he should start—simple as that. We need players who can make a difference, and Cerny is one of them.
Predicted Lineup: Our Best XI for Tonight
Given all these considerations, here’s the lineup we at Ibrox Insider believe gives Rangers the best chance of securing the win tonight:
GK: Jack Butland
RB: James Tavernier
CB: John Souttar
CB: Robin Propper
LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
CM: Dujon Sterling
CM: Connor Barron
AM: Mohamed Diomande
RW: Vaclav Cerny
LW: Jefte
FW: Cyriel Dessers
Clement’s Balancing Act: The Rebuild and Beyond
Clement is known for being meticulous with his selections, and tonight is no exception. He has to find the balance between caution and ambition. There’s no room for recklessness, but neither can he afford to be too conservative. This is a game where every decision counts. It’s not just about who starts; it’s about making sure the best possible team is on the park to get the job done.
And let’s not forget, a win tonight doesn’t just mean progression in the Champions League. It means crucial funding for Clement to continue his rebuild—something that’s absolutely vital if we want to see Rangers back at the top where we belong.
In conclusion, Clement needs to trust the players who have shown they can make an impact. The time for experimenting is over. We need our strongest XI on the pitch, ready to fight for every ball, every inch, and ultimately, for the win. Let’s get behind the team and hope that Clement makes the right calls. After all, it’s not just a match; it’s Rangers’ future on the line.