Alan Brazil makes Rangers admission for Europa League showdown v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers will be well aware of the task that awaits them ahead of their Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao.
With the score level at 0-0 after the reverse fixture at Ibrox, Rangers have every chance of success against Bilbao tonight, though they will need to be at their best.
Fortunately for those of a Light Blue persuasion, the Europa League has brought out the best of Rangers more often than not, hence their progression to this stage of the competition.
With John Souttar potentially in line for a return to the starting 11, the Gers have options tonight, but whichever ones Barry Ferguson opts to take, they need to showcase their worth in what will undoubtedly be a tight affair.
Rangers have a huge night of football ahead
Rangers have endured a nightmare of a season domestically, and if they want to end it with silverware, they will need to find a way past the Spanish giants of Bilbao.
Barry Ferguson’s side are certainly the underdogs for the clash, but as they have shown throughout the course of their Europa League run, they have the quality and, perhaps most importantly, the mentality to cause an upset, which is exactly what Alan Brazil thinks it will have to be.
| Opponent | Result |
| Dundee (A) | 3-4 W |
| Hibernian (H) | 0-2 L |
| Athletic Bilbao (H) | 0-0 D |
| Aberdeen (A) | 2-2 D |
Speaking via talkSPORT (17 April, 6:29am), he said: “Rangers are up against it. I think it’s a good night of football, but it’s gonna be great.”
Bilbao will be up for the fight, having already secured wins against the likes of Roma and Valencia this season, showcasing just how big this task may prove to be for the Gers, though it definitely isnt beyond the realm of possibility.
Ferguson can lead Rangers to European glory
Ferguson may not be here for the long run, but he certainly knows what is expected of a Rangers side, and that will need to be on show against Bilbao tonight.
The Scotsman will have several selection dilemmas to debate over for Rangers, and any changes must be made in an attempt to increase the attacking threat posed by the visitors.
Football isn’t played on paper, but if Rangers can replicate the defensive performance from the reverse fixture while neatening up their quality on the attack, this could be a special occasion for the Light Blues.