Rangers can open up a seven-point gap over Hearts with a win at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, but losing would cut that lead to just one point and reignite talk of a three-way title fight. Barry Ferguson believes the attacking formation that delivered a 4-0 win over St Johnstone should be deployed again, even in one of the most difficult venues in the Scottish top flight.
Hearts' challenge and Rangers' response
Hearts did Scottish football a massive favour last season by taking the title fight to the last day, capturing the imagination of people around the world and bringing a spotlight on the game. They deserved all the plaudits that came their way, but when Rangers arrive at Tynecastle, Derek McInnes and his players will be looking to send a clear message: it's not going to happen again. This season, third place is as good as it's going to get.
Ferguson expects Hearts to come after Rangers from the first whistle, with the stadium rammed and the atmosphere electric, and he says there's every chance it could develop into a good old-fashioned fist fight of a football match. He welcomes that, saying it's exactly the way it should be whenever Rangers go there, and it won't come as a surprise to the team or the manager and his staff.
The secret to making the formation work
Ferguson was at Ibrox on Saturday for the St Johnstone game, where conditions were so bad it could have been a difficult afternoon after the disappointment at Dens Park. But Rangers responded with a very strong first-half performance, deploying a bold and aggressive 4-2-4 formation. His only worry at half-time was that they hadn't scored enough goals, but three more in the second half boosted confidence, and he noted that goal difference could come into the equation later in the season.
The secret to playing with a front four, Ferguson says, is to have two very disciplined operators in the heart of midfield. Nico Raskin and Dan Neil have to be prepared to sit in there and take care of things, allowing the other guys to get forward and cause chaos in the final third. That's got to be the aim at Tynecastle too, even though the pitch is a bit tighter and Hearts will come at them with all guns blazing.
Key players to watch
Ferguson highlighted Kim Minsu as a player who might have the lot, describing him as a bundle of energy with an excellent appetite for the game. He said Minsu has excellent technical ability and real quality, and if he continues to improve, Rangers could be onto a real winner. He also praised Badredine Bouanani, who reminds him of Vaclav Cerny in the way he cuts in from the right wing, looking to do damage with his left foot and always being direct.
Ferguson also pointed to the front two of Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy, who are getting their rewards inside the penalty box by scoring goals. They have a real physical presence, run their socks off for the team, and their energy levels are relentless. They provide defenders with a real problem, and that's exactly what Rangers have to do this midweek on the other side of the M8.
Win it and Rangers will open up a seven-point gap against a team that finished above them last season. Lose it and it's down to just the one. It may be one of the most difficult venues in the Scottish top flight, but it's also the perfect place to deliver a statement and to show that this Rangers side really does mean business.
