The neutral view appears to be that Fenerbahce are already through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
But they are forgetting Rangers‘ performances in Europe so far this season.
Steven Naismith is giving Gers a chance for that reason although he did identify the current struggles in defence as a ‘red flag’ heading out to Turkey for a tough tie.
John Souttar could feature against Jose Mourinho’s side after recovering from his injury and Barry Ferguson expects him to make a massive difference to his side.
Alan Hutton isn’t sure about Souttar’s readiness but did insists Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling must play if fit, and Ridvan Yilmaz should play at left-back instead of Jefte.
It is a tough one for Ferguson as he tries to pick a team that can create the best chance before heading into the second leg.
How Rangers can get at Fenerbahce
Rangers have reserved some of their best games for the Europa League this season when coming up against teams that don’t just sit in and invite them to try and break down a low block.
When teams come out to play and leave spaces, that’s when Gers have been at their most dangerous.
So it will be music to the ears that Fenerbahce look to do exactly that when playing in Europe.
Fergie’s former Gers teammate Shota Arveladze was in charge of Fatih Karagümrük in the Turkish Super Lig last season after starring for Trabzonspor in his playing days.
He knows plenty about Turkish football and told the Daily Record: “When Fenerbahce go into Europe they have so much freedom, psychologically, to play football. They are not so affected by this ‘inside the country’ pressure that kills them for the last decade.
“They don’t need to be totally worried about what’s going to happen if they lose. Fenerbahce has much, much more pressure on their domestic league. In the derby last week, Galatasaray-Fenerbahce, for almost the whole game there was barely a shot at goal.
“Fenerbahce play much more freely, much more football and score more goals in Europe. They did well to beat Anderlecht quite easily in the last round, scoring five goals over two legs. Fenerbahce are on a really good run, they’ve kept their form well, while Rangers are not in the best of times. Their players are struggling for form.”
Shota Arevladze on Ferguson’s Rangers appointment
Arveladze was not surprised to see his old teammate get the call from Rangers and expects him to bring high standards.
He added: “Yes, I could have imagined this with Barry, I’m not surprised. If I look at the ‘legends generation’ from my time, Barry would’ve been one of the first I thought of. Many clubs have used ‘their boys’ for times like this. No one calls you unless they have a problem!
“Now he has this great chance, I hope he will show his skills. Barry, as everyone knows, was always very demanding as a player to his teammates. But he knows, from being with many good coaches himself, that you cannot be the same as that now. This is a very different role. He certainly has the character to handle the pressure that is all around Rangers.
“But it’s going to be a huge challenge for him against Mourinho. You know that when you stand out on that touchline and it’s him and his decades of quality against you.”
