Rangers vs Feyenoord
Europa League Group G
8:00pm Thursday September
Ibrox Stadium
Steven Gerrard has called to provide a Europa League victory against Feyenoord as a tribute after his death at Age 43 to former mild Blues defender Fernando Ricksen.
The ex-Netherlands global, who created more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox club between 2000 and 2006, expired on Wednesday and had been battling with motor neurone disease for six decades.
Gerrard is preparing his players to face the Eredivisie side and wants them to triumph for Ricksen.
He explained:»It is extremely sad news for everyone connected to the club and, more to the point, his family. On behalf of the club I would like to pay tribute. He was a fantastic player who had a career.
«I am sure there will be a whole good deal of emotions in the stadium and I believe Fernando deserves that. I’m certain both sets of supporters will pay their respects.
«We ask the supporters to get into the group since I think it would be a wonderful tribute to him if we could put in a fantastic performance and attempt to get max points.
«I believe everyone 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 supporters are very sad now and also we who are liable for Thursday’s operation want to do what we can to try and find a win and devote it to him.»
The hosts will be without Ryan Kent, who tweaked a hamstring during the victory over Livingston.
Gerrard has suggested that he could be ready to throw Jamie Murphy back into the fold after missing a year with a knee injury accident.
Jordan Jones suffered an accident during the Old Firm match and remains absent.
Feyenoord will soon be without Sven van Beek, although Steven Berghuis, Nicolai Jorgensen, Jens Toornstra and Jan-Arie van der Heijden are doubtful.
The only past meetings between Rangers and also Feyenoord were in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup – that the side won 4-3 on aggregate to winning the trophy.
Rangers have already played eight matches in European competition this year, winning six of their Europa League qualifying games (D2) while keeping six clean sheets.
Though they gained their last such game in the 2017-18 Champions League against Napoli feyenoord have lost seven of their last eight matches in European competition.
Alfredo Morelos scored eight goals in Rangers’ eight Europa League qualifying games this year. The Colombian was also the only Rangers player to score over once in the Europa League last season (two ).
Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has scored nine goals with all of them coming for Spurs between 2012 and 2013.
This is going to be a game that is roaring. Feyenoord have a strong reputation. Feyenoord have the fire but aren’t currently bringing the service they’d always attract.
These nights, rangers love which is exactly the reason why Steven Gerrard is not there. They haven’t clicked into gear. Jaap Stam’s negative will sit in for 20-25 minutes and frustration could be caused by this around Ibrox – that is if they can pounce.
Alfredo Morelos is the threat along with Feyenoord will be winding up him if they can get him to see. He looks a great deal calmer than that which he has been in the past! It’s not an easy night. It will be stressed and physical. If Rangers have the understanding to make it through those games I really don’t know.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
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