Rangers vs Feyenoord
Europa League Group G
8:00pm Thursday September
Ibrox Stadium
Steven Gerrard has predicted on Rangers to produce a Europa League success against Feyenoord as a tribute to former Light defender Fernando Ricksen.
The ex-Netherlands global, who created more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox team between 2006 and 2000 and engine neurone disease for six years, had been battling and expired on Wednesday.
Gerrard is currently preparing his new players to confront the Eredivisie side and needs them to win for Ricksen.
He said:“It is extremely sad news for everyone connected to the club and, even more importantly, his family. On behalf of the club I would love to pay tribute. He was a great player who had a career that is decorated.
„I am sure there is going to be a great deal of feelings at the stadium and I think Fernando deserves that. I am certain both sets of fans will pay their worth.
„We request the supporters to get into the group since I think that it will be a wonderful tribute to him when we could add a good performance and attempt to get max points.
„I think everybody knows ahead of a ball is kicked, if this was the situation, we would certainly dedicate it to him along with his family.
„It’s very sad. I am sure the fans are very sad at this time and also we who are accountable for Thursday’s operation want to do whatever we can to try and find a win and dedicate it to him.“
The hosts will be without Ryan Kent, who tweaked a hamstring during the victory over Livingston.
Gerrard has suggested that he might be ready to throw Jamie Murphy straight to the fold after missing nearly a year with a cruciate knee injury.
Jordan Jones suffered an injury throughout the Old Firm match earlier this month and stays absent.
Feyenoord will soon be without Sven van Beek, although Steven Berghuis, Nicolai Jorgensen, Jens Toornstra and Jan-Arie van der Heijden are all doubtful.
The past encounters involving Feyenoord and Rangers were in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup – the Dutch side won.
Rangers have played eight matches in European competition this year, winning six of their Europa League qualifying games (D2) while keeping six blank sheets.
However they gained their last such match from the 2017-18 Champions League against Napoli, feyenoord have dropped seven of their last eight matches in European competitors.
Alfredo Morelos scored eight goals in Rangers‘ eight Europa League qualifying matches this season. The Colombian was also the sole Rangers player to score over once in the Europa League last year (two ).
Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has scored two goals with all of those coming for Spurs between 2013 and 2012.
This will be a game. Feyenoord have a strong standing. Feyenoord have the fire but are not bringing .
These nights rangers love which is Steven Gerrard is there. They have not clicked into gear yet though. Jaap Stam’s side will sit for 20-25 minutes and frustration could be caused by this around Ibrox – this is if they could pounce.
Alfredo Morelos is the threat along with Feyenoord will be turning him up to see if they could get to him. He looks a lot calmer than what he has been previously! It’s not a simple night. It will be physical and tense. I don’t know if Rangers have the knowledge to get through these games.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
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