Rangers in Crisis Mode Ahead of Crucial Europa League Clash with FCSB
Pressure is mounting on Rangers boss Philippe Clement after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock, and the Belgian tactician needs a swift and prolonged upturn in form to save his position in the dugout. The Ibrox giants have not won a European match at home since March, and their recent form in the competition is alarmingly poor. However, Clement’s side do have a superior squad to FCSB, the Romanian outfit they will be facing on Thursday evening, and the Europa League offers a chance for the players to rediscover their winning ways.
Rangers’ most recent European defeat to French side Lyon was a crushing 4-1 defeat that exposed several chinks in their armor, and Clement will know that he must get it right on Thursday if he is to restore some much-needed harmony in the dressing room. With star players Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo, and Oscar Cortes all sidelined, the French coach will need to be creative in his team selection, and the return of Tom Lawrence will be a huge boost, along with the expected inclusion of Nedim Bajrami, Vaclav Cerny, and Cyriel Dessers in the starting lineup.
FCSB, on the other hand, have an almost clean bill of health heading into the match, with only captain Darius Olaru missing due to suspension and Siyabonga Ngezana struggling with a muscle injury. The Romanian side have won both their Europa League matches so far, and their in-form striker Daniel Birligea will be looking to add to his tally, having scored in the past three games.
The prediction is that Rangers will return to winning ways, edging a high-scoring match 2-1, but the real challenge for Clement will be to get his team to perform consistently, and build some momentum in the competition. For now, the Europa League offers a welcome respite from the intense pressure in the Scottish Premiership, and the Rangers players will be aiming to make the most of it.
