For much of Danny Rohl's short spell at Ibrox, his Rangers team has almost picked itself out of necessity.
Especially in forward areas, the Germans' options have been limited, but following the January window, a lessening match schedule with no Europe and a deeper squad provides options.
It leads to a welcome headache ahead of tonight's meeting with Motherwell - so who should start? Our writers take a closer look below.
Blair Malloy wants to see Chermiti and Naderi up top
Against Queen’s Park, Rangers fans were treated to the first sight of a Red Bull-esque 4-2-2-2 system with the wingers inverting to twin 10’s and full-backs pushing on.
Now, Rohl’s use of that attacking set-up was no doubt largely down to the opposition, who, with respect, offered little by way of a fight. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that Rangers looked incredibly comfortable and at ease in this formation.
Starting with two strikers against Motherwell would be a bold call, but that may be what it takes to make hay in this, the tightest title race in decades. Ryan Naderi is nailed on to start for me; his opening two matches have shown that he is everything Rangers have been looking for in the centre forward role. However, he may also be the perfect foil for the much-maligned Youssef Chermiti as a partner at the sharp end of the pitch.
The Portuguese’ physically and link-up play may be best served with Naderi running beyond to take the chances he has often been unable to so far this season. While the idea of Mikey Moore and Andres Skov Olsen buzzing around the box would fill any defence in this division with trepidation.
That does sacrifice a man in midfield, and Mohamed Diomande finds himself extremely unlucky not to make my starting XI. However, Tochi Chukwuani has been impressive since his arrival and, alongside Nico Raskin, could provide that robustness Rohl’s men will need to stop the free-flowing Steelmen.
Chris Jack thinks Oliver Antman could keep his place
Rohl has problems to solve. This time, they are welcome ones to have. Does he pick a system and then select eleven players? Or does he go with those that are in best form and then think how best to set them up? There are many ways in which Rohl can approach the fixture at Fir Park and Motherwell will have to second-guess the Ibrox head coach.
Some of the names are obvious ones. If Fernandez is fit enough, he starts in defence. The same is not necessarily true of Chermiti in attack, however, and Naderi’s ability to lead the press from the front could give him the nod over the Portuguese after he missed the last couple of matches.
The midfield is a tricky call. Diomande would be unfortunate to lose his spot on form, but Raskin will expect to come back into the team and will probably do so. Chukwuani seems the most certain of the midfield options.
The shape utilised against Queen’s Park would be a bold way for Rohl to go. Rather than Miovski, Moore could be used alongside Naderi. Skov Olsen and Oliver Antman can operate wide or narrow and Moore a line higher or lower to give Rangers unpredictability in the final third.
Rohl would still be able to call on Diomande, Chermiti, Miovski, Jayden Meghoma and Djeidi Gassama from the bench. What a welcome change for the German. At last, there is strength and depth for Rangers.
Joshua Barrie thinks that Mo Diomande can't be dropped
It's a novelty for Rohl to have options and I think he'll be mulling one key question ahead of a trip to Lanarkshire.
Should he stick with the tried and tested model away from home - win by set-pieces, favour physicality, play directly - or try to pick a team that's a little more threatening in open play?
Motherwell are a really good team, especially in possession. They're also tactically adaptable; for example, during a win over Hibs earlier this season, they altered shape and surrendered possession, trapping Grant Hanley in possession, because of their opponent's predictability.
Does that mean that Rohl, who has been more conservative than progressive to date, decides on a 'safer' starting 11 with the option to win this game off the bench? I think so. I struggle to see a continuation of the 4-2-2-2.
Sterling was supposed to play a full 90 at the weekend and then miss midweek before Max Aarons injury changed plans, so I suspect James Tavernier will keep his place. And based on first impressions, I'm opting for Tuur Rommens at left-back.
Read more:
- Danny Rohl's subtle new Rangers weapon and why he can only unleash it now
- How Rangers signed Ryan Naderi - Data standout, ten week scouting, Rohl references
Ryan Naderi, Mikey Moore and Andreas Skov Olsen all ought to start for me. Could we see Rohl use the 4-3-3 that was so effective at Parkhead in the second half? It would also solve a midfield conundrum because I Diomande has to start on form.
Pairing him with Chukwuani and Raskin, behind a mobile front three, would enable Rohl's side to play in the compact, aggressive style he favours while still carrying a real threat in open play.
Share