Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 12/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing the importance of claiming a Europa League first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Rangers will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Ibrox.
Rangers
Starting with the hosts, springing what was a major Europa League upset last month as they edged past Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Rangers are desperate to collect another heavyweight European scalp. However, while the Blues might have entered March’s international break with a dramatic 3-2 victory against arch-rivals Celtic, interim boss Barry Ferguson is desperately seeking some crucial stability. Failing to pick up some much-needed momentum last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Hibernian, Rangers have gained a reputation for their nightmares struggles on home soil. Including a 2-1 defeat against Motherwell on March 1st, Thursday’s hosts have remarkably lost all of their previous five consecutive showdowns at Ibrox. Facing what looks set to be a real challenge over the next week, Rangers know the importance of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here.
Rangers Team News
Still sidelined with a long-term knee issue, Rangers will once again be without Dutch youngster Neraysho Kasanwirjo on Thursday night. In what looks set to be a huge blow for Ferguson’s side, Scotland international John Souttar will miss out through suspension here.
Likewise, signed on loan from French outfit Lille during the January transfer window, Rafael Fernandes is ineligible to feature at Ibrox. Notching six goals in his 10 Europa League appearances this season, Czech Republic international Vaclav Cerny will play a leading role.
Athletic Bilbao
As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might be sat in the driving seat to punch a famous Champions League ticket this season, the Lions find themselves in a similar position to Thursday’s opponents. Marking their return from November’s international break with consecutive 0-0 stalemates against Osasuna and Villarreal, Ernesto Valverde’s men have struggled to find much fluidity since opening the New Year. Despite mounting a Europa League comeback against Roma last month as they eventually snatched a 3-2 aggregate win, Bilbao have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Likewise, the former Barcelona boss has not seen his squad secure back-to-back wins since the middle of December. Mustering just a sole victory outside of the Basque Country from their last seven attempts, Valverde’s camp are also seeking a much-welcomed clinical edge in the final third.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Limping off against Villarreal last weekend after picking up a reported calf issue, Athletic Bilbao are sweating over the fitness of veteran defender Yuri Berchiche. Likewise, missing out on Sunday with an abductor issue, Valverde’s camp are expected to be without academy graduate Yeray Alvarez.
Making a cameo appearance off the bench last week and making a first appearance since February 23rd, Oihan Sancet should get some more minutes under his belt at Ibrox. Notching four Europa League goals this season and once again attracting heavyweight European interest, Nico Williams will spearhead Bilbao’s charge.
Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown at Ibrox will be the first competitive meeting between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao.
- Rangers have remarkably lost all of their previous five consecutive appearances at Ibrox across all competitions.
- Athletic Bilbao have failed to register consecutive victories across any competitions so far this season.
- The Lions have mustered just a single win from any of their last seven showdowns outside of the Basque Country.
- Four of Bilbao’s last five appearances across all competitions have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Failing to pick up any kind of momentum last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Hibernian, Rangers have endured a record-breaking rut in Glasgow. Remarkably losing all of their previous five consecutive showdowns at Ibrox, Thursday’s hosts have a tremors amount of pressure on their shoulders here. However, with Athletic Bilbao playing out consecutive 0-0 stalemates since returning from March’s international break, chances could come at a premium in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 12/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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