Rangers vs Feyenoord: Europa League preview
Rangers vs Feyenoord
Europa League Group G
8:00pm Thursday 19th September
Ibrox Stadium
Steven Gerrard has called on Rangers to deliver a Europa League success against Feyenoord as a tribute following his death at Age 43 to mild defender Fernando Ricksen.
The international, who created over 250 appearances for the Ibrox team between 2000 and 2006, expired on Wednesday morning and had been combating motor neurone disease for six decades.
Gerrard is currently preparing his new players to confront the Eredivisie side of the opening group game on Thursday evening and needs them to triumph for Ricksen.
He said:”It’s extremely sad news for everybody connected to the club and, even more importantly, his young family. On behalf of the club I’d love to pay tribute. He was a great player who had a decorated career.
“I am sure there is going to be a good deal of feelings at the stadium and I believe Fernando deserves this. I’m certain both sets of supporters will pay their worth.
“We ask the fans to get right behind the group since I believe it could be a great tribute to him when we can put in a fantastic performance and attempt to get maximum points.
“I think everyone knows ahead of a ball is kicked, though that was the case, we’d certainly devote it to him along with his family.
“It is quite sad. I’m sure the supporters are very sad now and also we who are responsible for Thursday’s operation need to do all 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.
Gerrard has hinted he could be ready to throw Jamie Murphy straight into the fold after missing with a knee injury accident.
Jordan Jones stays absent and suffered an injury through the Old Firm match.
Feyenoord will soon be without Sven van Beek, while Steven Berghuis, Nicolai Jorgensen, Jens Toornstra and Jan-Arie van der Heijden are doubtful.
The only previous encounters between Feyenoord and Rangers were in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup – that the side won.
Rangers have already played eight games in European competition this season, winning half the Europa League qualifying matches (D2) while keeping six clean sheets.
Feyenoord have dropped seven of their last eight matches in major European competition, though they gained their last game in the 2017-18 Champions League against Napoli.
Alfredo Morelos scored eight goals in Rangers’ eight Europa League qualifying matches this year. The Colombian was the only Rangers player to score more than once from the Europa League last season (two ).
Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has scored nine goals in his past nine Europa League matches, together with each one them coming for Spurs between 2013 and 2012.
This is going to be a game. Feyenoord have a solid standing. Feyenoord have the fire but aren’t bringing the service they would always deliver.
These nights, rangers love and that is Steven Gerrard is there. They haven’t clicked into gear. The negative of jaap Stam will sit in for 20-25 minutes and frustration could be caused by this around Ibrox – .
Alfredo Morelos is your threat along with Feyenoord will be winding up him to see if they can get him. He looks a lot calmer than what he has been before! It’s not an easy night. It’ll be physical and tense. If Rangers have the knowledge to get through those games 16, I don’t know.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Follow upgrades across the Sky Sports site and program via our game site. Coverage will start at 7pm.
Watch more games this season for less with our whole Football Offer. Sky Sports Football along with Sky Sports Premier League channels for just #18 extra monthly!
Read more: http://www.vivichem.com/mason-mount-limps-off-for-chelsea-in-champions-league-debut-vs-valencia/