The Europa League quarter-final between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao presents a compelling matchup, particularly given the contrasting form of both teams. Rangers have struggled significantly in recent domestic competitions, currently sitting seventh in the Scottish Premiership and enduring a five-game home losing streak . Conversely, Athletic Bilbao has demonstrated resilience, recently overcoming Roma to reach this stage and currently positioned fourth in La Liga. The historical context adds intrigue; Rangers previously defeated Bilbao in a quarter-final first leg back in 1968, although their recent performances raise concerns about their ability to replicate such success (Custom).
Ibrox is ripe with expectation as Glasgow Rangers welcome Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals first leg match. The winner from the two legs will face Manchester United or Lyon in the semis. The hosts are bidding for a first semi-final appearance since losing the final in 2021/22. Meanwhile, Bilbao, like Rangers, are pinning their hopes of silverware on this competition. We have the prediction for this match below.
While Rangers saw off Fenerbahce in the last round, Athletic Bilbao eliminated Italian side AS Roma to book this ticket. This match marks the first ever meeting between the two teams. After a successful outing on penalties to dispatch Fenerbahce, starting this round at home feels like a double dose of pleasure for the Rangers fans.
Rangers possible starting lineup: Butland; Tavernier, Propper, Balogun; Sterling, Barron, Raskin, Jefte; Bajrami, Cerny; Dessers
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Boiro; Prados, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta
In terms of team news, Rangers will be without key players John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande due to suspensions, while Davy Propper is expected to feature prominently (Custom). Their anticipated lineup includes Butland as goalkeeper and an attacking trio featuring Bajrami and Dessers. On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao faces its own challenges with injuries affecting players like Yuri Berchiche and Inigo Galarreta. Nevertheless, they boast a potent attack led by Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet .
Predictions for this encounter suggest that both teams are likely to score given Rangers' defensive struggles juxtaposed with Athletic's attacking prowess . Live streaming details remain elusive; however, fans can find local broadcast information through UEFA's official channels . As both teams prepare for this critical clash at Ibrox Stadium on April 10th at 21:00 CET, spectators can anticipate an intense match that could significantly impact each team's aspirations for progression in the tournament.
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