Matchday in focus: Strong on the flanks | OneFootball

Icon: Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt

·17 May 2022

Matchday in focus: Strong on the flanks

Article image:Matchday in focus: Strong on the flanks

Tactics, statistics, key duels and everything else you need to know ahead of the Europa League final in Sevilla.

Tactics

Rangers’ game has become much more versatile since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over the hotseat from Steven Gerrard, who heavily relied on a 4-3-3 formation. The Dutchman prefers a 4-2-3-1 but has been known to switch to a three-man defensive system in which the Gers’ lone striker is supported by hard-working full-backs.


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Absentees

Head coach Oliver Glasner will definitely be without Martin Hinteregger, who suffered a thigh muscle injury against West Ham. Jesper Lindström is also a doubt.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos is sidelined with a thigh injury.

One to watch: Ryan Kent

The pacey English winger was long regarded as a promising talent, but the 25-year-old has elevated his status since moving to Scotland. Kent is now regarded as a key player at Rangers and an integral member of van Bronckhorst’s squad.

Kent started his career in Liverpool’s youth academy, which he joined at seven years of age. His debut for the Reds’ U21 side a decade later was followed by numerous loan spells – the last of which was with Rangers, who eventually signed him permanently in 2019. Gerrard managed to bring the best out of Kent, who made 43 appearances in his first season at the club. The winger has remained a mainstay in the Gers side under van Bronckhorst.

Statistics

Eintracht are the only club other than Europa Conference League finalists Feyenoord to boast an unbeaten record in continental competition in 2021/22.

The Eagles have not lost any of their 12 Europa League games this season. Never before have Eintracht gone so long without defeat in a single European campaign.

Glasner could become the first Austrian to lead a team to victory in the Europa League.

Key duel: Filip Kostic vs. James Tavernier

Standout performers for their respective teams, Serbian left winger Kostic and English right-back Tavernier are set to come face-to-face with one another in Sevilla. The Rangers captain is their top scorer in the Europa League this term with seven goals, including four from the penalty spot.

Both players are known for their crossing ability. Kostic has attempted more crosses by far (147) than any other player in the competition this season – 57 more than second-placed Tavernier. The outcome of this intense individual battle could play a key role in determining the tournament winners.

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