Breaking News:Rangers must drag Ben Davies off v Hearts, Lawrence Shankland is too much
Philippe Clement must make the difficult decision to hook Ben Davies at half-time if Rangers are to beat Hearts on Saturday (3 August).
The 28-year-old has been struggling to deal with the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Yan Dhanda and Kenneth Vargas, who have threatened Jack Butland’s goal on multiple occasions.
Clement’s side are calling out for a leader in the backline, and while James Tavernier is captaining the side, he also seems to be struggling to deal with the attack down the right flank.
Following Connor Goldson’s exit to Aris Limassol, Clement is stretched for choices in the defensive third, with Leon Balogun the only experienced centre-back not on the pitch.
Davies has already made a foul and has allowed Shankland to offload a couple of shots at Rangers’ goal, which many will know just how dangerous that can be at Tynecastle.
Philippe Clement to hook Ben Davies at HT in Rangers v Hearts
The Gers will be desperate to get off to a positive start this season, having missed out on the Scottish Premiership title to Old Firm rivals Celtic last term.
Therefore, Clement must not lay back and allow his squad to make mistakes against such a dangerous attacking outlet like Steven Naismith’s side.
Shankland, 28, notched 24 league goals last season and looks to be as dangerous as ever. If the Gers’ defenders keep allowing him to get shots off, it will only be a matter of time before he scores.
With Clement’s future already said to be at risk despite signing an extension, a loss on the opening day of the season would be detrimental to his position and for the Gers.
Balogun has extended his contract with the Gers for another year, and although he is 35 years of age and likely going to play a bit-part role this season, his experience is needed at the back.
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