Rangers have had a positive week in terms of results, with a solid 2-0 win over Kilmarnock in the Premiership making it two wins from two while a comeback aggregate win over Union Saint-Gilloise ensured progression to the Champions League play-off round.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst now has to prepare his men for a tie against St Johnstone at Ibrox today and this is one that three points will be expected and momentum to continue building ahead of the PSV Eindhoven tie on the 16th of August.
The question is, does the Dutchman drastically alter his team ahead of the crucial European tie? Or continue with the same starting XI that rocked Ibrox on Tuesday?
On the chalkboard
One player that should really be given an opportunity against the Saints is Fashion Sakala.
The Zambian international hasn’t featured at all this season for the Ibrox side and his unpredictable nature is an asset, especially against teams that apply a low block such as the Perthshire outfit.
Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton lavished praise on the 25-year-old last season, saying:
“He’s like a firework, isn’t he? You just light him and watch him go. He’s one of these players who plays at 100 miles per hour.”
Sakala, who can play anywhere across the front three, scored 12 times and registered seven assists as Rangers reached the Europa League final and won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years last season.
Although tiredness shouldn’t be a factor this early in the season, Sakala could slot into a right-wing role which would enable him to run at the Saint Johnstone defence. The forward made 1.4 successful dribbles per match last season and this would be expected if he plays a part today.
There were transfer links to Burnley recently, but the Athletic confirmed that the Championship side had moved on to other targets. Sakala still has a lot to give to the Rangers side, his style, while not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, works to great effect and he netted some crucial goals last season, with one against Celtic in a 1-1 Premiership draw.
Hopefully, he gets a run out in the side as another match fast approaches for the Gers.