Rangers battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Ibrox despite having a man sent off after just 13 minutes, while Athletic Bilbao also missed a late penalty. That means it is all to play for in the second leg of the Europa League last-eight tie at San Mames.
The clash will get underway at 20:00 on Thursday, April 17 and will be broadcast live on Discovery+ & TNT Sports 2.
Tip 1
Rangers have pulled off some big performances in key matches this season, but it has generally been tough going and this looks a tough spot for Barry Ferguson’s men.
The Light Blues were second-best in the first leg at Ibrox, and while Robin Propper’s first-half red card didn’t help the Govan side, Rangers may struggle to stay competitive at San Mames.
Ferguson made a whole host of changes for Rangers 2-2 draw with Aberdeen, but that poor performance only gave light to how poor their squad is.
Athletic have lost only three of their 23 San Mames contests this season and Ernesto Valverde’s men should be far too good for Rangers on their own patch.
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Tip 2
Oihan Sancet has scored 16 goals in 29 appearances for Athletic this season and the 24-year-old looks a great bet to strike against Rangers.
The Spanish forward has hit the net eight times in his last seven matches for the Basque men and there should be plenty of opportunities to get at a weak Rangers rearguard.
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Yuri Berchiche is out with a calf injury for the La Liga side, while Ernesto Valverde has concerns over the fitness of Inaki Williams.
Athletic Bilbao Predicted XI: Agirrezabala, De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta.
Rafael Fernandes and Oscar Cortes are both ineligible to play in this competition. Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling will miss the rest of the season through injury, while Robin Propper is suspended after last week’s red card.
Rangers also have doubts over the fitness of Nicolas Raskin, Tom Lawrence and Ridvan Yilmaz.
Rangers Predicted XI: Kelly; Nsiala, Souttar, Balogun, Tavernier; Barron, Raskin, Yilmaz; Diomande, Dessers, Cerny.
Athletic Bilbao and Rangers have met just three times in their history, with their latest meeting in last week’s first leg finishing 0-0.
Rangers beat Athletic 4-1 in the Fairs Cup in 1969, before Athletic won the return leg 2-0.
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