Rangers vs Feyenoord
Europa League Group G
8:00pm Thursday September
Ibrox Stadium
Steven Gerrard has predicted to provide a Europa League victory against Feyenoord as a tribute after his death at the age of 43 to Light Blues defender Fernando Ricksen.
The worldwide, who produced more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox team between 2006 and 2000 and motor neurone disease for six years, had been fighting and expired on Wednesday.
Gerrard wants them to win for Ricksen and is preparing his new own players to confront the Eredivisie side of the opening group game on Thursday evening.
He explained:»It is very sad news for everybody connected to the club and, more importantly, his young family. On behalf of the club I’d like to pay tribute. He was a player who had a career.
«I’m convinced there is going to be a lot of emotions in the arena and I believe Fernando deserves that. I am sure both sets of supporters will pay their respects.
«We request the fans to get into the group because I think it would be a wonderful tribute to him when we can put in a good performance and try to get max points.
«I believe everybody knows ahead of a ball is kicked, though that was the case, we’d surely give it to him along with his loved ones.
«It is very sad. I’m sure the fans are extremely sad now and we who are accountable for Thursday’s operation need to do all we can to attempt to get a win and dedicate it to him.»
The hosts will be without Ryan Kent, who tweaked a hamstring through the victory over Livingston.
Gerrard has hinted he might be ready to throw Jamie Murphy back into the first-team fold after missing a year using a cruciate knee injury.
Jordan Jones stays absent and suffered an accident throughout the Old Firm game this month.
Although Steven Berghuis, Nicolai Jorgensen, Jens Toornstra and Jan-Arie van der Heijden are all doubtful feyenoord will soon be without Sven van Beek.
The past encounters involving Rangers and also Feyenoord were at the 2001-02 UEFA Cup – that the side won.
Rangers have already played eight games in European competition this season, winning six of their Europa League qualifying games (D2) while keeping six blank sheets.
Feyenoord have dropped seven of their last eight matches in important European competition, however they gained their last such game from the 2017-18 Champions League against Napoli.
Alfredo Morelos scored eight goals in Rangers’ eight Europa League qualifying games this season. The Colombian was likewise the sole Rangers player to score over once in the Europa League last season (two ).
Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has scored nine goals together with each one them coming for Spurs between 2012 and 2013.
This is going to be a game. Feyenoord have a solid reputation. Feyenoord have the passion but aren’t bringing the service they would always deliver.
Rangers love these nights and that is Steven Gerrard is there. They haven’t clicked into gear. The side of jaap Stam will sit in for 20-25 minutes and frustration could be caused by this about Ibrox – this is when they could pounce.
Alfredo Morelos is the danger and Feyenoord will be turning up him if they could get him to see. He looks a great deal calmer than what he’s been in the past! It is not an easy night. It will be tense and physical. If Rangers really have the knowledge to make it through these games I really don’t know.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
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