AliousFerguson Faces Selection Headache Ahead of Europa League Showdown with Bilbao
Rangers are gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Athletic Bilbao in the upcoming Europa League round, with Barry Ferguson facing some major decisions that could define the remainder of the season.
With their domestic campaign effectively over and no silverware to chase on home soil, Rangers’ hopes now rest entirely on European success. The Europa League presents a final shot at glory—and Ferguson must tread carefully to ensure his squad is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
All Eyes on Ferguson’s Line-Up
The Light Blues have impressed in Europe so far, but Bilbao represents their toughest opponent yet. Ferguson knows that anything less than a well-drilled, fully committed performance across both legs could see their European dream slip away.
That level of pressure means tough calls will need to be made—and some key names could be sacrificed. According to Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd, there are likely to be several unhappy faces in the dressing room when the starting XI is revealed.
“Ferguson already has his team in mind, I’m sure,” Boyd said on *Sky Sports News* (9 April, 10:29am). “But with the changes he’s hinted at, players not included will be questioning the point of it all if those changes don’t actually happen.”
Big Questions Over Butland, Souttar, and Diomande
Among the players under scrutiny is goalkeeper Jack Butland, who is facing mounting criticism after a string of poor performances. Boyd suggested that Butland, along with John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande, may be among those dropped.
Given the importance of confidence and stability at the back, Ferguson may feel compelled to switch things up between the sticks. But such a move wouldn’t be without its risks—especially ahead of such a crucial European tie.
Delicate Balancing Act Ahead
Managing the squad’s fitness, form, and morale will be vital. The two-legged nature of the tie means Ferguson must strike a careful balance between fielding his strongest team and rotating wisely to keep legs fresh for both encounters.
While it’s a difficult assignment, the opportunity is massive. If Rangers execute their game plan and maintain composure, they have the quality to overcome Bilbao. However, one wrong call—especially in the starting line-up—could bring their season to a premature end.
Victory in this fixture could reshape the narrative of Rangers’ season. For Ferguson, every tactical and personnel decision could be the difference between triumph and disappointment.
Alious
