Source: FOOTYMAD
Change Of Tactics For Champions League Game?
With both Valencia and Rangers playing similar styles of game, who will be brave enough to make a change? Winger Manuel Fernandes insists neither Valencia nor Rangers will be looking for a draw in Wednesday's Champions League game at Ibrox despite their reputations as counter-attacking teams. Walter Smith led Rangers to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 by playing a 4-5-1 formation and a defensive style that did not vary at home or away. He adopted an even more cautious approach at Old Trafford in the first game of this season's competition and was rewarded with a goalless draw as his 5-4-1 formation stifled Manchester United's attacking options. Kenny Miller started up front on his own again as Rangers beat Bursaspor 1-0 at Ibrox but Smith may come up against similar tactics from Valencia manager Unai Emery. Roberto Soldado is likely to start up front as a lone central striker but Ibrox coach Ian Durrant has described Valencia as the best counter-attacking team in Europe. A tactical battle awaits the Ibrox fans but Fernandes expects Rangers to come out of their shell following their encouraging start to their Group C charge. The former Everton winger said: "I don't think Rangers will play like they did in Manchester. There they wanted a draw but now they are at home and will want to win. It's not easy to go to Old Trafford and get a point so we must have respect for them and we will have respect." Valencia lost 1-0 at home to United in their previous encounter but they won 4-0 in Turkey in their opening contest with the help of some stunning goals. And Fernandes has promised a winning mentality from his team, who were deposed from the top of La Liga at the weekend after a 2-1 defeat at Barcelona. The Portugal international said: "We will need to go there to get three points because three points is what we need. If we don't go there thinking about winning, we are going to lose. If we go there thinking abut drawing, we are going to lose for sure. We need to go there for a win. If we draw, then it's not bad because we have a game at home against them. But we need to go there thinking about winning because we respect them." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is ScottishFitba Net
