Rangers: Philippe Clement has big Scott Wright decision to make at half-time v Benfica

After a goalless first half, Rangers manager Philippe Clement must make a major choice at halftime against Benfica.

In the first forty-five minutes of Thursday’s (March 14) Europa League last-16 second leg, the Gers held the upper hand overall.

On the counterattack, Benfica, however, appeared extremely threatening and were fast to seize any mistakes made by the hosts.

In fact, Ally McCoist frequently brought up the fact that the Gers were far too exposed in midfield during TNT Sports broadcast.

The Rangers favorite also mentioned that Clement needs to address the fact that the hosts were “at their most vulnerable when getting forward.”

To assist his team exert more control in the second half, Clement would be tempted to include an additional midfield player in the lineup.

That would force an attacker to move aside, with Scott Wright on the right side being the most exposed.

In place of the injured Dujon Sterling, Wright was chosen to start the game over Rabbi Matondo, with Ross McCausland also being absent.

Nevertheless, he did not create any significant opportunities with his 21 touches of the ball in the first half [Sofascore].

Wright’s completion percentage was only 33 percent, as he only completed four out of his twelve throws. Clement is concerned that one of those passes might be misdirected and result in a counterattack by Benfica.

With the match level at 2-2 overall, it would be harsh to take anyone off at halftime, but Clement has demonstrated that he is not hesitant to make some bold decisions.

It makes sense to leave Tom Lawrence and Fabio Silva on because they are both game-changers and had some strong performances in the first 45 minutes, and Cyriel Dessers is not a direct competitor.

Nico Raskin in place of Wright would offer the Rangers an extra holder, allowing Silva and Lawrence to flank Dessers.

The opposition’s rapid break is probably going to be the one area where Clement’s team loses this game.

Clement can prevent that from happening by making the cruel move in the middle of a finely balanced tie.

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