Resumption of Europe

Just a flying visit today…

Rangers return tonight to the lion’s den of European competition…

Ok, perhaps this is a tad overblown such is the rather underwhelming nature of the Uefa Cup, but a tournament’s a tournament, and the bears entertain Israeli side Maccabi Haifa at Ibrox this evening.

Domestic form has been wild at best, but hopes are high among many that we can be a different side against foreign teams, a view enhanced by such an excellent display in Italy.

However, lest we forget our dismal showing in Norway and slightly patchy display when we hosted Molde – safe passage in this cup is by no means assured.

Svensson is likely to take his place ahead of the ineligible Papac in the heart of defence, unless Le Guen opts to play Hemdani there, which is unlikely. Martin, Sionko and Burke all remain absentees, but Clement could well feature in midfield. If he does, then Le Guen may indeed want to play Hemdani at the back instead of Svensson.

The fragmentation of the above paragraph shows how futile second-guessing Le Guen actually is. The man will pick his own team and we simply have to hope we can recapture our best form and put the poor performance and result against Motherwell behind us.

We are certainly capable of a good show, but we have to wait and see which Rangers shows up.