Rangers v Athletic Bilbao: Barry Ferguson makes job-costing error
Barry Ferguson has named his Rangers playing eleven against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.
The first leg of the UEFA Europa League clash is set to be played at Ibrox on 10 April.
Gers go into this game as underdogs with the interim manager hoping to guide his team to the semi-finals.
Ferguson makes huge error with his team selection against Bilbao
Ferguson, who appears to want the job permanently, is doing his chances no favour with his selection for the Europa League clash.
Starting Cyriep Dessers is a mistake that could cost Gers not just the game on Thursday night but the entire tie.
Hamza Igamane could’ve been so much better from the start and if he would struggle, then Dessers could have an impact off the bench.
Bilbao enter the Europa League quarter-final first leg as favorites due to their superior form, tactical cohesion, and squad quality.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances |
| Scottish Premiership | 16 |
| Europa League | 5 |
Sitting fourth in La Liga, they boast one of Europe’s stingiest defenses, conceding just 24 goals in 30 league games, and finished second in the Europa League league phase with six wins from eight.
Their recent 4-3 aggregate triumph over Roma showcased resilience, while players like Nico Williams and top scorer Oihan Sancet bring flair and firepower.
Bilbao’s Basque-only policy fosters a tight-knit, well-drilled unit, excelling at set-pieces.
Rangers, conversely, limp in on a five-game home losing streak at Ibrox, missing key defenders John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande, and with key players’ form wavering.
Vaclav Cerny can make the difference for Rangers
For Ferguson to secure a good result at Ibrox, he must channel Rangers’ European grit which was seen in their penalty shootout win over Fenerbahce, and exploit Bilbao’s potential fatigue from a congested schedule.
A compact, counter-attacking setup could neutralise Bilbao’s high press, with Vaclav Cerny and Dessers tasked to punish on the break.
Ferguson should prioritise set-piece defending, given Bilbao’s aerial threat, and use Ibrox’s atmosphere to disrupt their rhythm.
A draw or narrow win is achievable if Rangers stay disciplined, leverage home support, and capitalise on any lapses from the visitors.