Butland and Dessers axed as suspended duo dilemma solved – the Rangers changes fans demand for Bilbao blockbuster
You never really know what you’re going to get from Rangers – but in Europe, it’s often something special.
Barry Ferguson is looking to pull another rabbit out of the hat when Athletic Bilbao make the trip to Ibrox, and he may be set to shake things up once again after a dismal showing against Hibs at the weekend.
A dreary 2-0 defeat was somewhat let off the hook by Celtic the following day but the only reason he escaped Ibrox without a chorus of boos greeting him was because the stadium was virtually empty by full-time.
He’ll be forced into at least a couple of changes for this one with two key men suspended, but he’s been a master of turning Premiership water into Europa League wine.
But Ferguson admitted he won’t be scared to make big calls saying: “I’ll probably have to make difficult decisions, I’ve had to make difficult decisions since I’ve come in, but it’s one thing I’m not afraid to do to benefit the team.”
And by the time the teams run out at a sold-out Ibrox this evening, the punters will be right behind the interim boss and his team as they look to spring another Euro upset.
A win here, after all, would be a major step towards the semi-finals, something they could barely have dreamed of when they sacked Philippe Clement in February.
So how will Ferguson line up for this one?
Predicted Rangers XI
Rangers will be without John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande for the first leg due to an accumulation of yellow cards and that limits the options in defence and midfield.
Leon Balogun, rested at the weekend, looks a cert to come back in and so too could Robin Propper beside him.
Diomande’s absence means that Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin look nailed-on to start but who goes in beside them remains to be seen. Dujon Sterling could be pushed forward, an option which would allow the formation to fluidly switch to a back five should Ferguson decide that’s the way to go.
A change between the sticks may be necessary after confidence-shot Jack Butland dropped another clanger against Hibs. And fans have been roaring for a change up front too – it may just come to pass with Cyriel Dessers due a spell on the bench.
Hamza Igamane could lead the line in his stead while Jefte could provide some defensive balance off the left.
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland
Liam Kelly
Lewis Budinauckas
Defenders
James Tavernier
Rıdvan Yılmaz
Robin Propper
Dujon Sterling
Jefte
Clinton Nsiala
Leon Balogun
Midfielders
Connor Barron
Nedim Bajrami
Nicolas Raskin
Ianis Hagi
Tom Lawrence
Forwards
Cyriel Dessers
Vaclav Cerny
Hamza Igamane
Danilo
Leave a Reply