Barry Ferguson predicts Rangers scoreline v Panathinaikos, says three players excite him
Rangers face Panathinaikos in the second leg of the Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.
Russell Martin’s team will travel to Athens on 30 July after taking a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the second qualifying round at Ibrox in the reverse fixture.
Findlay Curtis opened the scoring against the Greek outfit on 22 July, with Djeidi Gassama also finding the back of the net after replacing the young Scotsman.
The Glaswegians now have a tough test at the Olympic Stadium, but they will be seen as favourites to progress in the competition.
Rangers to draw Panathinaikos in Champions League away from home
Panathinaikos will hold the Gers to a 1-1 draw at home in the Champions League, Barry Ferguson says.
The Light Blues’ former interim manager has predicted a stalemate in Athens, but reserved high praise forJoe Rothwell, Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande after what he saw at Ibrox.
Ferguson is excited by the midfield trio at Martin’s disposal, and fans will certainly have a similar outlook after the 2-0 victory.
Speaking on Hotline Live (29 July), the ex-Scotland international said: “If you look at that midfield three that played last week, that midfield three excites me. I know what Nico can do, we’ve seen that. I know what Dio can do. But I like the look of Rothwell as well.
When asked to predict the scoreline, he added: “Panathinaikos one, Rangers one.”
Martin to go with similar starting lineup against Panathinaikos
Martin revealed Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard will be unavailable to face Panathinaikos in the second leg due to fitness issues.
The Scottish manager used the Moroccan striker as a substitute at Ibrox, but it remains to be seen how long he will be out for.
Danilo might start once again at the Olympic Stadium despite his rather underwhelming display in the first leg.
| Statistics | Rangers | Panthinaikos |
| Possession | 75 per cent | 25 per cent |
| xG | 1.57 | 1.65 |
| Total shots | 16 | 14 |
| Big chances | 2 | 3 |
Rangers have Cyriel Dessers at their disposal, but the former Southampton boss hasn’t had much time to work with the Nigeria international during pre-season.
Jack Butland seems to be Martin’s number one, while the backline of James Tavernier, John Souttar, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons should continue.
With the midfield trio shining at home, the Scottish manager has no reason to make a change, but Djeidi Gassama could potentially force his way into the starting lineup at Kieran Dowell’s expense.
The Ibrox faithful will be satisfied with a draw and will hope Ferguson is right about the possible scoreline.
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