Athletic Bilbao v Rangers: Agbonlahor makes huge claim hours before showdown
Gabby Agbonlahor has high expectations of the UEFA Europa League clash between Athletic Bilbao and Rangers on Thursday.
Rangers have everything to play for at San Mames on 17 April, having held Bilbao to a 0-0 draw with 10 men in the first leg of the quarter-final tie at Ibrox last week.
While the Light Blues can take confidence from their triumph against Fenerbahce in the last round, they will know that they have to be at their best to cause an upset over Bilbao, who are fourth in La Liga.
Rangers are the underdogs going into the game, considering their form throughout the season, but Barry Ferguson will hope that they can pull a rabbit out of the hat, as they have often done in Europe.
Agbonlahor predicts Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Rangers will have to show the same amount of fight they displayed with 10 men in the first leg at Ibrox to have any chance of earning a victory over Bilbao.
Not many expect the Ibrox outfit to walk out of San Mames with a place in the Europa League semi-final, meaning they can play without added pressure.
Agbonlahor is among those who expect Ferguson and Co. to be on the losing side in Spain on Thursday.
Discussing the tie with Alan Brazil, Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT (17 April, 6:36 am), “I think they [Rangers] go out as well. Bilbao, very good side, Al.”
| Rangers | Stat | Athletic Bilbao |
| 4 | Shots | 19 |
| 0 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 28% | Possession | 72% |
| 223 | Passes | 532 |
| 63% | Pass accuracy | 89% |
Meanwhile, Brazil chimed in by saying that Bilbao are favourites to go all the way in the Europa League, giving Rangers no chance to cause an upset at San Mames.
Brazil said, “They are favourites, Bilbao, to win it.”
Agbonlahor was in agreement with Brazil about Bilbao being favourites to win the Europa League, especially since the final is held at San Mames.
The talkSPORT pundit, thus, went on to predict a ‘tough game’ for the Glasgow heavyweights.
“Yes, to win the whole thing”, Agbonlahor added.
“Isn’t the final at their stadium as well? I’m sure it is. So, a tough game.”
Ferguson can stun Bilbao with Rangers
Not many expected Ferguson to emerge victorious against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League last-16, but he did.
Therefore, there is no reason why the Gers caretaker manager cannot surprise his doubters by claiming a victory over Bilbao on their turf.
The former captain is expected to step down when his deal runs out at the end of the season, but there is no doubt they will be determined to leave a lasting impression.