SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Rangers fans during the UEFA Europa League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt v Rangers at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, on May 18, 2022, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Chris Jack claims that Abdallah Sima and Danilo will start for Rangers against Sparta Prague because they are the “game-changers” and “match-winners” for manager Philippe Clement.
With both teams tied for fourth place in Group C heading into the pivotal Europa League match at Ibrox on November 9, the writer singled out the two players for his expected starting lineup for Rangers Review.
On a night when a victory would put the Light Blues within striking distance of the knockout rounds with two games remaining and a loss would leave them with an uphill battle to qualify, Jack declares, “Rangers need a Euro hero.”
Todd Cantwell and Sam Lammers are Jack’s picks to complete the offensive line in Glasgow, where the Gers will probably need goals.
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It is impossible to overstate the impact of the Ibrox crowd on a European evening, even though Clement managed to secure a respectable draw in the away match on October 26—the only match he has lost since taking Michael Beale’s place.
This season, the Belgian’s main priorities are closing the gap on Celtic in the SPFL and securing the Viaplay Cup next month, rather than moving forward in Europe.
It would be highly advantageous if the new manager could pull off a similar feat, especially considering that the team was only two years removed from an incredible run to the competition final in Seville.
As the momentum grows behind his revitalized team, he undoubtedly aims to avoid setbacks like a home defeat in Europe. Sima, boasting nine goals across all competitions, is set to be the main wide choice in the absence of Matondo, Lawrence, and Wright. Despite a fractured cheekbone slowing him down, Danilo, with two goals and three assists in his last three games, has solidified his position as the primary striker at Ibrox. These two emerge as the key players for Rangers, with Cantwell not at his peak, Lammers’ optimal performance uncertain, and other attacking options hampered by injuries or lack of playtime. Much of the team’s success may hinge on their performances.
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