Rangers manager Steven Gerrard
Rangers missed a golden opportunity to grab their first piece of silverware in the ongoing campaign as the Gers slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against arch-rivals Celtic in the final of the Betfred Cup on Sunday.
Steven Gerrard’s side will now turn their focus to the UEFA Europa League where they play host to Swiss giants BSC Young Boys for their matchday 6 Group G encounter on Thursday night.
All four teams in Group G head into matchday 6 with a realistic chance of progressing to the knockout rounds of the competition.
Rangers are currently on top of the group and a draw would be enough to seal qualification for Gerrard’s side, although they can still progress in case of a defeat if Feyenoord beat Porto to ensure a favourable goal difference for the Ibrox giants.
Steven Gerrard doesn’t have too many injuries to contend with ahead of the Europa League clash against the Young Boys on Thursday night.
Steven Davis was a notable absentee from the matchday squad against Celtic in the Betfred Cup final on Sunday due to a foot injury and the veteran’s availability for the fixture is going to be subject to a late fitness test.
Filip Helander was forced off with a knock in the latter stages of the game on Sunday and his fitness ahead of the European fixture continues to be a nagging issue.
The veteran didn’t have too much to do in the narrow 1-0 defeat against Celtic and he has always been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for the Gers.
The captain led by example on Sunday in the Betfred Cup final but failed to steer his team to victory. However, he continues to be a key component of the playing eleven and is expected to be one of the first names on Gerrard’s teamsheet on Thursday.
The Croatian hasn’t been a regular fixture at the heart of the defence this term but he might get his chance to impress if Helander fails to recover from a knock.
He has looked a bit shaky by his usual standards in recent months but Gerrard is expected to continue with his preferred options at the back.
The Croatian has put in a number of top-drawer performances in the Europa League for Rangers this season and they will once again rely on the quality of his deliveries from the left.
The former Aberdeen man has been in supreme touch for Rangers this season and came out with a lot of credit on Sunday despite the club’s 1-0 defeat to Celtic.
The former Arsenal man has added a lot of steel and stability to Rangers’ midfield with a string of impressive displays and he is surely going to be amongst the starters on Thursday.
The Nigerian international wasn’t at the top of his game against Celtic on Sunday but he might retain his spot in the playing eleven if Davis fails to recover in time.
The former Liverpool youth graduate endured a frustrating day in the Betfred Cup final but he continues to be a key attacking option for Gerrard.
The youngster remained an unused substitute on Sunday but he might get a start ahead of Scott Arfield in the Europa League clash if Gerrard opts to rotate his squad.
Rangers will need the Colombian talisman to return to his usual devastating self after a less-than-clinical display against Celtic in the previous outing.
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