Rangers season could be over in the space of the next two weeks if a positive result over Athletic Club can’t be secured.
That this Rangers squad has reached the quarter finals of the Europa League is something of a miracle, and yet, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Barry Ferguson did the unthinkable.
His chances of becoming the permanent Rangers manager might be slim, however, there is still a job to be done and a team to be picked.
Ferguson hinted at a change in approach after the dismal loss to Hibs at Ibrox, and he will be hoping for an improved performance from everyone lucky enough to be given a second chance.
With John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande suspended, his job is a little harder, but this is how Rangers should line up to take on La Liga cracks Athletic Club.
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Rangers predicted XI vs Athletic Club
Gordon Dalziel has said he wouldn’t be surprised if Jack Butland is dropped for Liam Kelly, although the Rangers No.1 played well in the previous round against Fenerbahce and deserves to keep his place for that alone.
Despite his mistakes, Butland remains the best keeper at the club, even if he is pushing his luck now.
With no Souttar, Leon Balogun should return to the defence ahead of Robin Propper, and he should be partnered by those who will be at the club next season.
Cinton Nsiala deserves a recall and Dujon Sterling’s athleticism and one v one defending could be vital against elite level opposition.
If necessary, and depending on how the Spaniards line up, James Tavernier could rotate with Sterling.
There was no sign of Ridvan Yilmaz against Hibs so, by default, it should be Jefte who is deployed as the left wing-back.
Midfield is problematic given the absence of Diomande, however, it means that Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron will continue their Europa League partnership.
The only question is, who joins them?
Bailey Rice has played at Old Trafford and impressed, there is no point putting a square peg into a round hole and having a more attack minded player like Tom Lawrence or Ianis Hagi might affect the defensive effort.
Trust the Rangers academy graduate and give him a chance to impress.
Cyriel Dessers or Hamza Igamane in attack?
A 3-5-2 shape leaves just two positions, Vaclav Cerny is one of the first names on the team sheet and he should be joined by Hamza Igamane as the No.9.
Cyriel Dessers might have good numbers, but he continues to miss too many game-changing chances.
When the game is stretched, there is no reason why he couldn’t come on later in the game and have more of an impact.
Hagi, Lawrence and Nedim Bajrami all give an option off the bench depending on the state of the game, but chances are running out for them to prove that they should be at Rangers next season.
Beating Athletic would be a start.
