Source: FOOTYMAD
Smith V Ferguson: Round two
Two old heads will battle it it again tonight in the Champions League Sir Alex Ferguson risked fielding a weakened side when Rangers travelled to Old Trafford for the sides' 0-0 draw in September. Ferguson said after the game: "The criticism will be why didn't I play a stronger team. I played a very strong team. It's a terrific squad of players we have and there was no problem playing them." The news that Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be rested for the return game suggests Ferguson has few regrets over the decision, although United will likely be reliant more on their attacking players than defenders at Ibrox. Rangers have adopted a 4-5-1 formation in the Champions League this season and, aside from the 3-0 defeat at Valencia earlier this month, they have coped admirably against more expensively-assembled sides. As the group stands, Rangers sit third with five points, two behind second-placed Valencia and five behind leaders United. Walter Smith has engendered a hard-working spirit among his players and adopt a defensive mindset in Europe. Striker Kenny Miller - prolific in the SPL - has not scored for 14 games in the Champions League, but their defensive prowess has kept them alive in the group. However, the absence of key defender Madjid Bougherra and a doubt over left-back Sasa Papac could pose significant problems for Rangers. Smith has said injuries may mean "making a change to the manner in which we play", which would almost certainly lead to a more open game. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
