Rangers have little to play for this season other than hoping that the Europa League run can be extended past Athletic Club.
The Spanish outfit will provide a tough test for Barry Ferguson with the interim Rangers manager hoping to see a lot more than he did at Ibrox against Hibs.
Ferguson has hinted that there will be changes, however, the Europa League squad restrictions and a couple of suspensions mean that he doesn’t quite have a full deck to play with.
One of the biggest issues, especially with Rangers conceding goals left, right and centre, has been the defence, and the absence of John Souttar is a hug blow.
There are a few options open to Ferguson in terms of shape, system and personnel, but the biggest clue has been given as to who will take the Scotland international’s place.
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Rangers drop Leon Balogun vs Athletic Club selection hint
The back three/five that worked so well against Fenerbahce and Celtic will likely be deployed again with Dujon Sterling cementing his place as a player who the manager can rely on.
For balance, Clinton Nsiala should be picked on the left of the defence with his passing range also a useful addition.
Having the extra body will also protect the young defender in terms of how much space he has to cover and allows him to concentrate on his own job.
In the middle, experience is needed, and they don’t come more experienced, or reliable, than Leon Balogun, who was on press conference duty at Auchenhowie.
Surely, this means that the big Nigerian is starting at Ibrox?
If Ferguson wants to make positive changes, Robin Propper isn’t the option.
Balogun urges teammates to give fans moments to remember
Speaking as part of the pre-match build up for Athletic Club, Balogun, who gave an insight into the dressing room talks after the defeat to Hibs, urged his teammates to put the difficult times behind them and remember how lucky they are to play for a club like Rangers:
“We need to live through those difficult moments, but also remember we have the quality to do it.
“We have shown it more than enough this season despite the ups and downs.
“It’s just about repetition, upping your own standard, and holding yourself accountable first and foremost.
“One [player] might need a bit of a ruffle; the other just needs a night to sleep over it. But it’s about going out there and doing it again.
“That’s the beauty of playing at a club like Rangers, that you always have a game three days later.
“It’s a good game tomorrow to show you can do a lot better.
“It’s on us to make [the fans] believe. We need to prove it and turn things around. The only way to do that is to follow it with action.
“We need to give them more of those moments.”
