Sky Sports contributor and Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie believes that Scott Wright will start in the Gers’ season opener this weekend.
The Light Blues’ quest to regain the title gets underway this Saturday as they travel to Livingston in the curtain-raiser of the 2022/23 campaign.
Ahead of his first full season in charge at Ibrox, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has bolstered his squad, particularly in attacking areas, with striker Antonio Colak, attacking midfielders Tom Lawrence and Malik Tillman, as well as winger Rabbi Matondo all coming in.
The latter has caught the eye in pre-season with an ‘impressive’ display last weekend versus Tottenham Hotspur, but according to Jonny McFarlane, the Welsh winger will sit out the majority of this week’s training due to a minor injury – and Barrie believes that will influence Van Bronckhorst’s decision further.
Speaking on the Rangers Review YouTube channel, he said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Scott Wright starts, not even due to the pitch, but he just knows what this type of game involves and I would never really stray towards the adapt too much in Scottish football argument, but I think when you’re starting the first game away from home against Livingston, it’s a really difficult place.”
TIF Thoughts on Matondo and Rangers…
Would you risk Matondo against Livingston?Yes
No
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With a 3-4 day absence expected as per McFarlane, it may be advisable that Matondo isn’t risked this weekend, especially considering the Gers travel to Belgium for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier with Union SG on Tuesday.
The 11-cap Wales ace has quickly settled into life in Glasgow, scoring during their 3-1 win over West Ham United on his debut before laying off an assist against Spurs.
However, playing Wright on Saturday does seem like a wise option.
The 24-year-old was found predominantly on the right last season, scoring seven goals, the first of which ironically came in the season opener against Livingston, so perhaps he could repeat the trick.