Rangers FC boss Steven Gerrard has quite the dilemma on his hands this week.
Rangers FC will be a busy bunch starting this weekend with three games over the course of eight days. The Light Blues are off to a hot start this season with zero goals conceded and no defeats in their record, but they will face some unique challenges over the next two weeks.
With a scrappy Dundee United on the schedule this weekend, Lincoln Red Imps (Gibraltar) on the 17th, and second-placed Hibernian three days after that, Steven Gerrard must choose his lineups wisely.
Rangers are expected to handle business quite comfortably against Lincoln Red Imps in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, so a weaker lineup should be deployed in Gibraltar.
The primary objective this season is to win the league title. That being said, avoiding injuries to key players will be critical. The best available lineup should be saved for the most competitive clash of Gers’ season (so far) against an in-form Hibernian side.
Dundee United are coming off a 4-0 loss to Kilmarnock, but they are a dangerous opponent that upset Motherwell, and gave both Celtic and Hibernian a run for their money in two 1-0 defeats.
If it were not for an unfortunate deflection in the 83rd minute, Dundee United would have stolen a point from Celtic. Gerrard must be wary of the Tangerines and their open style of play.
Saturday’s test will require a strong lineup comprised of key players, such as Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo, Ryan Jack, and Conor Goldson, to name a few.
However, for the Europa League encounter on the 17th, Gerrard should strongly consider resting some of his stars to have them at his disposal for Hibernian.
All in all, the Rangers gaffer has a few tactical options to consider, as well as plenty of depth to choose from for the next three games, but avoiding injuries and fatigue should be at the top of his list.