WaltersGotStyle 178 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Rangers v Sporting Lisbon - Walter's next move It’s a wet winter’s morning at Murray Park where Walter Smith ponders his line ups for the upcoming fixtures in what looks to be a chaotic schedule. As the media begin to whip themselves into a frenzy he must know that all eyes are on his next move. He has maintained a dignified silence throughout the aftermath of the Old Firm game and we must believe that he knows a repeat performance would be unacceptable. Today is the eve of European clash against the ever so familiar Sporting Lisbon, over the year’s European football after Christmas has been few and far between. A fixture once relished is no longer the attraction that it once was, as the need for domestic success and the possibility of another Champions League money pot plays heavy on some minds. This ideology does not sit well with Walter Smith though as he knows that although he has accomplished a lot in his career one box remains un-ticked. It is with this thought in mind he will begin to layout the names in contention for a place in tomorrow’s line up. Following the recent demolition of a relatively good Motherwell side combined with the contrasting display in the Scottish cup fixture against Celtic, he has a selection headache as these displays showed that Rangers can still carry a potent attacking threat when given the freedom to press a team and take the game to the opposition. However Walter will also look back to previous campaigns and will be considering his tried and trusted European tactics. With the added fact that Jelavic is not eligible it may see him revert back to the lone striker. The big question however is will he consider resting some of his key players in order to keep them fresh for the much hyped weekend clash against Celtic. Does Walter consider his fringe players good enough to step in and replace key men such as Davis, Naismith and Diouf? Or will he play a full strength team hoping that they have enough in the tank to carry them through two gruelling ties. One statistic that has been overlooked in the build up to this weeks coming games are this years results on the back of spirited European performances. People won't have forgotten the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford... but what they might have forgot is that it was followed by a 4-0 hammering of Dundee United. We all fondly remember the 3-1 win at Parkhead but do most of us remember that this came directly after a very exciting 1-1 draw with Valencia. Not forgetting the 2-1 away win over Hearts after a home victory against Bursaspor. With this in mind maybe just maybe Walter will fancy his chances in both games. However no doubt if he decides to play a full strength team in both ties he will be open to criticism although if he decides to play a weakened team tomorrow to appease the masses followed by a not so favourable result on Sunday he could find himself on the back foot in two competitions. What ever he does I am sure the media and fans will have something to say… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinGers93 388 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 We are more than capable of winning tomorrow and on Sunday. It's not going to be easy but it certainly can be done. Just get into the both of them Rangers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaltersGotStyle 178 Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 We certainly are Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st_Jan_1994 4,868 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 There shouldn't even be a debate on this in my eyes.Strongest team in both games. Get the ball on the deck and have a go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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