Barry Ferguson could end the season unemployed but also with a place in Rangers folklore if he guides the club he loves to the Europa League.
The odds are stacked against him, however, with the score at 0-0 and, hopefully, with 11 v 11, the Rangers manager will fancy his chances of getting a result.
Thursday nights, usually, bring the best out of a group of players who seem incapable of the basic, but thrive against the best.
It is a Rangers squad that is far from balanced, but one that has the chance to make history.
After seeing his game plan disappear up the tunnel at Ibrox with the red-carded Robin Propper, Ferguson will be hoping that his tactics and this Rangers XI can get the job done.
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Predicted Rangers XI vs Athletic Club
Leighton Clarkson’s free-kick was well struck, however, Liam Kelly did get a full and strong hand to it.
After an impressive display against Athletic at home, it would be a shock to see Jack Butland recalled so quickly.
Ferguson has some injury doubts, but what he shouldn’t do is leave any key Rangers players out who could make a difference.
The return of John Souttar makes a difference and Leon Balogun will also be expected to return.
Given how the Gers boss has set up, it makes more sense to play Clinton Nsiala in the left-sided centre-half role, rather than James Tavernier on the right and shoehorn someone else in at right-back.
Midfield, due to a shortage of realistic options, picks itself.
Cyriel Dessers or Hamza Igamane to lead the line?
Bringing in Ianis Hagi alongside Mohamed Diomande would be too attack minded, if Ferguson keeps his 3-5-2 system that is.
The difference between Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers was perfectly displayed both at Ibrox in mid-week and at Pittodrie.
With more space, and possession at a premium, Igamane must play, with Vaclav Cerny strapped up to support him.
With Danilo, Nedim Bajrami, Dessers and Hagi on the bench, there are options, there is also no excuse for those picked from the start not to empty the tanks, given the season rests on this 90-minute performance.
