Glasgow Rangers will probably be aiming to retain the Scottish Cup as they face Raith Rovers within the quarter-finals of the competitors on Sunday.
Michael Beale’s home report in control of the Ibrox aspect reads; 17 matches, 15 wins, and just one defeat – within the League Cup remaining towards their Previous Agency rivals – and the Scottish Cup stays arguably the Gers’ most lifelike probability of silverware this season.
Though not Premiership opposition, Raith defeated Motherwell within the earlier spherical and it received’t be a simple tie, with that in thoughts, nonetheless, Beale could look to make a number of adjustments and provides gamers who haven’t had a lot sport time not too long ago a runout.
Ianis Hagi might effectively be one, and the Englishman ought to unleash the 24-year-old in what could be his first begin in over a yr as he makes his method again to full-match health.
Ought to Ianis Hagi begin towards Raith Rovers?
Beale ought to begin the magician as he’s in determined want of sport time. The Romanian star suffered a severe knee damage on this competitors in January 2022 towards Stirling Albion which saved him out for a yr and his presence has been sorely missed.
He made his first look for the reason that damage towards St Johnstone in January, whereas he has averaged a Sofascore ranking of 6.85/10 throughout his three league matches up to now, a strong sufficient return, particularly when his common enjoying time is simply 11 minutes.
The £21k-per-week gem – who was as soon as dubbed an “absolute dream to work with” by ex-boss Steven Gerrard – truly made his first begin for the reason that damage towards Patrick Thistle within the final spherical of the Scottish Cup. He solely lasted 45 minutes, with GlasgowLive giving him a 5/10 ranking, which appeared a bit harsh contemplating the circumstances.
At present towards Raith represents an ideal probability for him to realize extra minutes and if he can replicate his kind from 2020/2021, then he might dominate the Championship aspect.
In that title-winning marketing campaign, Hagi registered 18 purpose contributions (seven targets and 11 assists) whereas creating six huge probabilities and making one key move per sport, which reveals that the maestro has the standard to destroy a decrease league outfit at his finest together with his inventive capability.
Beale could look to rotate his squad and with more durable ties to return within the weeks forward, it may very well be good for the likes of Hagi, Leon King, and Ridvan Yilmaz to get some much-needed time on the pitch.
Subsequently, the pinnacle coach should unleash the Romanian worldwide to get his match health up heading into the ultimate months of the marketing campaign and the enterprise finish of the season.
