Rangers v Athletic Bilbao prediction ‘incredible’ as Ibrox hope emerges
Rangers face Athletic Club in the Europa League on Thursday, and Ibrox could potentially witness a significant result.
The La Liga outfit will travel to Glasgow on 10 April as the Gers host Ernesto Valverde’s team in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
Barry Ferguson’s team are coming off a 2-0 loss to Hibernian, and the Light Blues will undoubtedly look to bounce back from the defeat.
Athletic have been one of the best teams in Spain this season, making a positive result against them a challenging task for the Bears, but some hope has been shared.
Ibrox to witness Rangers draw against Athletic
A 2-2 draw is the best result the Gers can hope for against Valverde’s team, Richard Foster says.
The former Scottish defender believes the Light Blues have the ability to score at Ibrox, but they won’t be able to keep the La Liga outfit quiet.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
Paul Cooney feels the predicted outcome of the Europa League fixture could be “incredible” for the Glaswegian outfit if it were to happen.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (7 April), Foster said: “I think 2-2 is the best Rangers can hope for.
Cooney responded: “That would be an incredible result, wouldn’t it?”
Foster adds: “I think they’ll score at home, but Athletic will score as well.”
Ferguson will be delighted with Athletic draw
Ferguson’s prospects in the Europa League could determine his future at the Gers beyond this season.
The interim boss managed to get past Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the last-16 after a dramatic penalty shootout at Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers also lost to the Light Blues at Parkhead, making a case for the former Scotland international’s continuity as permanent manager.
Rangers haven’t been their best under Ferguson domestically, though, leading to questions around his suitability at Ibrox.
The Europa League is the only competition of note for the Bears until the end of the season, and they must progress further in the competition against all odds.
Celtic are 13 points ahead in the Scottish Premiership, and it’s unlikely the Gers will catch up to them.
Getting knocked out of the European competition will essentially end the Light Blues’ season, having nothing but pride to play for in the last few league matches.
Athletic can’t be underestimated with players like Nico Williams in their ranks, and a 2-2 draw will definitely be an impressive result for the Bears.