We’ve done our best guess at how Rangers would line up at Parkhead. Barry Ferguson thinks weariness isn’t a justification for a poor performance against Celtic, and anyone who complains won’t be featured.
The interim Rangers manager has cracked the whip ahead of his first taste of Old Firm football from the bench. He expects nothing less than 100% from his players as he seeks to outfox Brendan Rodgers, just as he did Jose Mourinho during two arduous Europa League legs.
He changed formations halfway through the second leg at Ibrox and helped his team see it out, advancing to the final eight; it’s probable he’ll go with the back four that finished the game rather than the five who started. However, when asked how his squad will line up this weekend, he kept his cards close to his breast.
After Rangers’ 120 minutes and penalties on Thursday, while Celtic had a full week to prepare, fatigue has been cited as a contributing factor. However, Ferguson stated: “My brain will be ticking.” I am aware of the formation I will use. There are still several open posts in the personnel department. But pay attention, we shall be competitive.
There will be no justifications. A player will not participate if he tells me he is exhausted. That’s how easy it is. They are athletes and sufficiently fit. They receive good care. One thing I will impart to my group of players is that they are really professional.
One thing I will impart to my group of players is that they are really professional. They all want to succeed badly. They should make my work difficult. It presents a problem for me because I want 24 players who are accessible and fit.
We have examined the Rangers’ possible lineup at Parkhead in light of all of that.
Rangers received a strong warning from Athletic Bilbao, with two players expected to instill dread at Ibrox.
McKenna believes Rangers will have it tough against the Spanish heavyweights.
Rangers face a “really tough game” against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, according to one Scot who has previously faced them this season.
The Spanish team, now fourth in La Liga, will await Barry Ferguson’s men next month, with the first leg at Ibrox on April 10 and a return trip to Bilbao – where the final will be played in late May – on April 17.
And Las Palmas and Scotland defender Scott McKenna, who fell 3-2 to the Basque side earlier this season, believes Athletic Bilbao is a top team with two dangerous forwards in Inaki and Neco Williams.
“I remember our game against Bilbao at the start of the season,” she remarked. “We had recently returned from an international break, and my body felt dreadful. Then they showed up with all weapons blazing.
We were 2-0 down at halftime, and it was one of the first games where I thought, ‘Wow’. They are a top team. The Williams brothers are their standout performers. “I don’t understand how a team that solely selects Basque players can field such a great and competitive squad.
“The Rangers will face a tough game. But I think they showed amazing grit by remaining in the game against Fenerbahce on Thursday night. They made it through extra time, and penalties are not about luck; they are about who can remain calm under pressure.
Rangers did it. “It’s excellent for Scottish football that they made it through, and maybe they will again. It’s an excellent experience for Scotland players such as John Souttar, Connor Barron, and Liam Kelly. Souttar has excelled in these important games.”
Bilbao is already preparing for an invasion of Rangers fans next month, with mayor Juan Mari Aburto threatening to beef up security after rival groups of Athletic fans caused trouble during Thursday’s last-16 match against Roma.
Aburto stated, “We are already working with the Basque police force, city police, and the government to increase security following an entirely unacceptable night.”
“For the Rangers game, we will work closely with the Scottish authorities to gather intelligence and determine suitable limitations. However, you can be certain that there will be tougher controls around the stadium’s perimeter.
“I want to make it plain to those who caused the damage: we do not want you with us. I urge society to stand up to them. We cannot accept attacks on police officers as routine, or attacks on medical personnel in ambulances. “In future, the police will do what they have to do.”
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