Ferguson axes Dessers, Butland out – Rangers predicted XI v Aberdeen
Barry Ferguson’s Rangers team go into the second leg of their Europa League final against Athletic Bilbao on an even footing after a 0-0 draw at Ibrox.
Although attention will be on the second leg next week, the Gers have Scottish Premiership action to contest with first, with a trip to Aberdeen on Sunday (13 April).
With 13 points separating Rangers and Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, league action is a moot point for the Light Blues this term meaning the boss could be prepared to make six changes to his starting line-up.
That being said, momentum to take into the Europa League could be a big morale booster so the Bears can’t afford to fold in domestic action.
Ferguson stands by Liam Kelly choice
Ferguson’s starting line-up to take on Athletic Bilbao caught the eye after he made a bold decision to drop big-name goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Liam Kelly was preferred to the out-of-form number one and put on a highly impressive display, saving a penalty to keep the scores level.
With that in mind, it would be worthwhile to see Kelly build on his momentum and get his confidence up before another big game in the week.
| Kelly vs Athletic Bilbao | |
| Rating | 9.2 |
| Saves | 3 |
| Penalty Saves | 1 |
Dujon Sterling and James Tavernier could be joined by John Souttar and Jefte in the defensive line-up.
Souttar had to miss out in European action due to a yellow card suspension meaning it may be beneficial for him to get game time before next week.
After Robin Propper was sent off in the opening 15 minutes of the game, Ferguson could drop him to the bench for league action.
Jefte could come into the team while Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz both get a rest before returning to European action next week.
Bailey Rice, 18, was called to the starting line-up on Thursday but an injury meant he left the pitch on a stretcher. Ferguson will be hoping it’s nothing serious but it will likely rule him out of Sunday’s game.
With that in mind, Connor Barron may be in from the start, joining Nico Raskin in the midfield.
Ferguson makes attacking changes
Vaclav Cerny has been a stand-out performer for the Gers in what has been a difficult season and could retain his place in the side.
However, Mohamed Diomande and Danilo could come into the team while Ianis Hagi misses out.
Similar to Souttar, Diomande was unavailable in the week due to his yellow card suspension which could lead the manager to give him some minutes while Danilo is yet to make a Europa League appearance, having been left out of the squad for the first half of the season.
Cyriel Dessers was the preferred option for Ferguson against Athletic Bilbao and after what he produced against Fenerbahce in Europa League action before, it’s no surprise.
However, as one of the older players in the side, Dessers could be rested for this game while the younger Hamza Igamane takes his place instead.
Domestic action may not be the priority for those in Light Blue but if Ferguson is going to show progression with his side, they have to perform consistently and find some momentum that could fire them forward.