Hartson backs Clement to use new Rangers system v Malmo amid Jefte suspension

John Hartson has backed Philippe Clement to turn to a three-at-the-back formation for Rangers’ clash with Malmo as Jefte serves his suspension.

The Light Blues get their Europa League campaign underway with a trip to Sweden on Thursday (26 September) but will be without the Brazilian after he was sent off in Champions League qualifying.

While most expect Dujon Sterling to slot in out of position to fill the void, Go Radio pundit Hartson thinks Clement may switch to a new-look system and start James Tavernier as a right-sided centre-back.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (24 September, 19:50) he said: “I think it might be three. I think Rangers have gone with three at the back in other European games, especially when they’ve gone away from home.

“That means [Dujon] Sterling can go to left wing-back and you can push [Nedim] Bajrami further up the pitch, [Vaclav] Cerny on the other side where James Tavernier will go right side centre-back.”

How long is Rangers defender Jefte suspended for at Ibrox?

While there is every chance Clement could change the system to deal with Jefte’s suspension, it feels incredibly unlikely that the Belgian will opt to start Tavernier as a centre-back as part of a back three.

Perhaps he could start Robin Propper, Leon Balogun and John Souttar together and play both Tavernier and Sterling as wing-backs, but that doesn’t really solve the problem which is the lack of defensive depth on the left.

On top of that, this new look Europa League format means that teams cannot hope to qualify for the knockout stages by just winning their home matches as has been the case in the past.

If Clement’s side want to have the best chance of progressing past the new-look group stage, they need to do everything in their power to claim all three points against Malmo, especially as they have to play both Tottenham and Manchester United.

Hopefully, Clement will have taken little note of Hartson’s tactical suggestions.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been lauded for a recent James Tavernier decision at Ibrox this season

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