Souttar To Return | Predicted 3-4-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao | OneFootball

Despite a stalemate at Ibrox against mighty Athletic Bilbao, it was a night to remember for Rangers, who survived an early red card and a late spot kick in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. But a sterner test awaits them this midweek at San Mamés, as the Spanish giants are finally back to winning ways after three successive scoreless draws across competitions.

The Basque side clinched a commanding 3-1 home win against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend. On the other hand, ten-man Rangers showed incredible grit and determination to overcome a two-goal deficit at Pittodrie. Barry Ferguson rested several first-team stars while clashing heads with Aberdeen; however, the interim Gers chief would go with all guns blazing to script an upset on the road.

Predicted 3-4-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao

Defence

After his last week’s heroics, Liam Kelly is expected to retain his starting status between the sticks ahead of Jack Butland. The Scotsman was not at his best against the Dons, but he will have very little room for mistakes on Thursday night in their decisive European encounter.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 10: Liam Kelly of Rangers FC reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Rangers FC and Athletic Club at Ibrox Stadium on April 10, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

A marching order last midweek makes Robin Propper ineligible for the second leg tie. Dujon Sterling is ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. John Souttar will be back in action having served a one-game suspension, however, the gaffer could opt for skipper James Tavernier over Clinton Nsiala in deep defence alongside Souttar and Leon Balogun, with injured defensive pair Rafael Fernandes and Neraysho Kasanwirjo not registered in Rangers’ Europa League squad.

Midfield

Left fullback Ridvan Yilmaz has been impressive as a makeshift right wing-back. He could feature again from the right if Tavernier is deployed as a centre-half. Connor Barron could get the nod amid Bailey Rice’s potential injury absence, and the Scotland youth international must maintain his composure alongside in-form Nicolas Raskin in the centre of the pitch. Jefte should slot in down the left after making a positive impact against the Dons as a half-time substitute.

Attack

With plenty of attacking options across the frontline, Ferguson could have a selection dilemma with Ianis Hagi and Hamza Igamane knocking on the door after firing on Sunday afternoon. Yet the Light Blues boss should rely on Mohamed Diomande on the left and Cyriel Dessers high up the pitch. Vaclav Cerny remains irreplaceable, having notched 17 goals and laid on 7 more while operating from the right.