Gio van Bronckhorst's Rangers play the second match of their three-game homestand as they host Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Gers beat St Johnstone 2-0 in Glasgow on Wednesday night and face St Mirren at home on Boxing Day to complete their triple-header.

Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent scored the goals in midweek and van Bronckhorst may want to make some changes to keep things fresh heading into the end of the month.

Save millions

One change to the starting XI that he could make may end up saving the club millions in the transfer market if it pays off. Rangers are reportedly interested in signing creative midfielder Joey Veerman, but a burst of form from Juninho Bacuna could put an end to their interest.

Veerman has three goals and six assists in 15 starts for Heerenveen this season, suggesting that the Gers may be looking at him to come in and add an attacking threat from the middle of the park. Bacuna, meanwhile, has shown glimpses this term that he could be a player who is able to fulfil that role.

In six appearances, one start, he has managed one goal and one assist, whilst creating one chance per game - but has played only 162 minutes in total. This means that he is creating roughly three chances per 90 minutes, which highlights the playmaking side of his game that could be unearthed with regular minutes on the pitch.

Earlier this season, ex-Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard lauded the midfielder's ability and opened up on the prospect of him being handed more game time. He said:

“He’s got major talent. You could see some of the positions he picked up (against Motherwell), some of the little combinations he’s looking for. Okay, he might be looking at me and thinking ‘I want more game time’, which is a good place to be in.
“There’s going to be an opportunity for him very soon because he’s looking more ready now than when he first came. He’s fitter, he’s more robust and he knows a little bit more about our style and how we want to play now. So I think more opportunities for him are imminent.”

The baton has now been passed to van Bronckhorst and he must unleash the ex-Huddersfield man, starting with this clash against Dundee United.

If the £17k-per-week beast is able to find some form and consistency in the final third of the pitch from midfield then there may be no need for the club to splash the cash on Veerman. Therefore, this decision from the 43-year-old could end up saving Ross Wilson from needing to spend millions of pounds in the transfer market next month, potentially saving those funds for more pressing matters, like a replacement in the heart of defence if Connor Goldson departs.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Gio confirms big Ibrox news post-St Johnstone, Rangers fans surely buzzing...