After a disappointing home defeat against Hibernian, Rangers will host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. While the Spanish heavyweights hold the upper hand considering their blistering La Liga form, the Light Blues have punched above their weight in Europe despite a dreadful domestic run.
Rangers edged past Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the tie-breaker to secure a quarter-final berth. On the other hand, the Basque side overcame a 2-1 first leg defeat and clinched a 3-1 victory against 10-man Roma at San Mamés Stadium. Ernesto Valverde guided the Lions to conquer the 2023-24 Copa del Rey trophy, defeating Mallorca, and the Spanish chief must aim for greater glory by conquering the club’s first-ever European silverware.
A defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt saw the Gers finish as the runners-up in 2022, and it remains to be seen whether their interim boss Barry Ferguson scripts a fairy tale, thus landing the job on a full-time basis.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao
Defence
Jack Butland was below-par against Hibs, but his heroics in the tie-breaker knocked Fenerbahce out in the Round of 16. The Englishman must step up his game and deliver a resolute performance this midweek.
Ferguson shifted to a ‘back four’ last weekend, which did not work out against David Gray’s men. A three-man backline suits his style of play, but the gaffer might opt for Robin Propper due to John Souttar’s suspension. Veteran Leon Balogun, rested in the Premiership tie, is expected to return to the starting XI. Dujon Sterling should keep his place and feature as the right centre-back.
Midfield
Skipper James Tavernier must exhibit his attacking flair from the right, but, at the same time, must sit back and help the defenders. Jefte should get the nod over Ridvan Yilmaz down the left, as he brings balance between defence and attack. Connor Barron needs to showcase his composure deep down the midfield, and his high work ethic would enable Nicolas Raskin to make box-to-box movements and operate in the advanced areas of the pitch.
Vaclav Cerny has been exquisite down the right with 17 goals and 7 assists in 45 outings. However, Hamza Igamane could get the nod down the left amid Mohamed Diomande’s suspension. Ianis Hagi, Nedim Bajrami, Danilo and Tom Lawrence might get involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers has often been criticized for his lack of involvement in the attacking build-ups. Yet his poaching and finishing traits make him the obvious choice for the ‘number 9’ spot.
