Four Things Steven Gerrard Must Get Right To Ensure Rangers Get A Result Against Leverkusen

Rangers did get a confidence-boosting win against Ross County at the weekend, but they head into the Europa League tie against Bayer Leverkusen very much as underdogs following their recent poor form.

Manager Steven Gerrard also has fitness concerns over the likes Jermain Defoe, Ryan Jack and captain James Tavernier meaning his team selection for Thursday’s game is far from certain.

With all that being the case, though, it is still a European night at Ibrox and Gers fans will be hoping their side can beat the odds once again.

Press the “next page” as we look at four things Gerrard must do in order to secure a big home leg result against Leverkusen.

Shackle Leverkusen’s Key Man

Kai Havertz played as a false nine in Leverkusen’s 4-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend. He opened the scoring before providing the assists for his team’s fourth goal.

Most of Europe’s top clubs are after him and Gerrard must find a way of restricting him on the ball if Rangers are to get a result on Thursday. The Germans do have numerous other attacking threats, including Karim Bellerabi, Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby and Paulinho but Havertz is the one they must shackle.

Play On The Counter

Rangers conceded two goals at home in the first leg against Braga, before putting in a masterful counter-attacking performance in the away fixture. They had five shots on target compared to the Portuguese side’s one in the 1-0 win which sealed their progression to the last 16.

To ensure they get a result versus Leverkusen, they need to replicate that performance. They may be the home side but the Gerrard must accept his team’s limitations and play as though they are the away team.

Battle For The Clean Sheet

An away goal for Leverkusen could be catastrophic considering the Germans have lost just twice at home this season.

The Bears got caught napping a few times by Ross County on the counter, and that can’t happen against the Bundesliga club. The likes of Steven Davis and Glen Kamara will need to be tireless in the middle of the park to prevent Leverkusen from breaking out.

Start Kamberi

It may well be a controversial decision, considering the goals that Morelos can provide, but as we saw against Ross County, Kamberi is simply in better form at the moment.

The Hibs loanee helped create a number of chances at Victoria Park, and with opportunities likely to be at a premium on Thursday night, the Gers need all the help they can get.

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