Madjid Bougherra goes up against Rangers team mate Maurice Edu
The Desert Foxes form a 3-3-3-1 axis.
Three defenders at the back: Antar Yahia, Madjed Bougherra, Rafi Halliche,
Two wingbacks in Nader Belhadj and Riad Boudebouz flank Medhi Lacen to run up and down this axis. The lone striker Rafik Djebbour plays in front of Karim Ziani, Hassan Yebda, and Karim Matmour. This gives Rabah Saadane the flexibility of having five defenders or five attackers when the need arises.
Ziani, whose first season at Wolfsburg was a very successful one, is the creative wheel who plays just inside Nader Belhadj when he makes those surging runs that have him so popular at Pompey.
In the England game, Ziani interchanged a number of times with Belhadj, to get the better of Glen Johnson. Most of the threat from the duo emanate from set pieces, whipped crosses, and corners to the head of the defenders who score at a regular clip. Bougherra, Antar Yahia, and Rafik Halliche are all goalscoring threats.
Steve Cherundolo will have to be sharp with Donovan tracking back to help him contain the threat on the left. On the right Karim Matmour is a shade less effective
Bougherra is a mainstay at Rangers and today he faces off against club team mate and holding midfielder Maurice Edu.
Boughie as he is affectionately called by Ranger fans had an outstanding performance stopping Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney in the England game. Ally McCoist, to take over Walter Smith in a year’s time, hailed his performance. Jozy Altidore and Edson Buddle will have to go through him.