Steven Gerrard revealed that Steven Davis is not at 100% to face Aberdeen so was only named on the bench and that the decision to drop Jermain Defoe from the Rangers’ starting line-up was purely tactical.
The Gers boss shared that the experienced Davis suffered from an illness earlier in the week so was not quite feeling like himself, hence why he lost his place in the starting line-up.
Rangers’ official website confirmed that Gerrard had made three changes to the starting line-up that defeated St Mirren on Saturday with Defoe, Davis and Nikola Katic dropping to the bench.
“Steven was ill earlier in the week so he’s not really feeling himself just yet but obviously important to have his experience on the bench and Jermain has done nothing wrong, it’s just tactically I think this formation suits us tonight,” explained the Rangers manager on Sky Sports News (Wednesday February 6th, 19:10).
OPINION
It’s no surprise that Defoe has found himself on the bench for the clash with Aberdeen as Gerrard has gone for one up top as that clearly is the formation that suits his side. The experienced forward may have got one goal, as well as two assists, in the 4-0 victory over St Mirren at the weekend but it’s for the best he starts on the bench. If Gerrard needs to find a goal from somewhat later in the match then Defoe is the perfect option to deploy in order to get one. As for Davis if he is feeling under the weather then there is no point playing him from the start against Aberdeen as it could prove to be a mistake. However it’s clear the midfielder’s fitness can’t be that big of a concern for Gerrard as he has opted to still name him on his bench due to the player’s vast experience. Rangers’ clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie feels like it could be very important in terms of the Gers’ goals this season and has a must-win feel about it. It’ll be interesting to see if by the end of the night whether Gerrard made the right call to omit Defoe and Davis from his starting line-up.