Barry Ferguson is standing at a significant crossroads in his managerial journey with Rangers, and all eyes are on him as the club prepares for the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao. The pressure on the Rangers manager has been building steadily after a series of disappointing results, culminating in five consecutive losses at Ibrox, a run that has left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the team. More concerning for Ferguson is the alarming lack of goals from his side. Rangers have scored just once in their last five home games, a statistic that highlights the team’s struggles in front of goal and the desperate need for a change in approach.

This makes Thursday’s game against the Spanish side even more crucial. The Europa League presents one of Rangers’ best chances to salvage something from what has been a difficult season so far. However, Ferguson faces a tough task in turning around his team’s fortunes in such a high-stakes match. The clamour for changes within the squad is growing louder, with many calling for the introduction of fresh faces and a more dynamic tactical approach. Ferguson’s team has lacked creativity and attacking spark, and it seems clear that a shake-up is needed to break the rut they are in.

The biggest talking point ahead of Thursday’s fixture is the future of goalkeeper Jack Butland. Once a solid presence between the sticks, Butland has now come under heavy criticism after a series of mistakes that have directly contributed to Rangers’ poor form. With each passing blunder, the calls for Liam Kelly to replace Butland have grown louder. Kelly, who has been a standout performer at Motherwell, is seen as a safe and reliable pair of hands who could offer Rangers the stability they need at the back. Many fans and pundits feel that the time has come for Butland to be dropped, with Kelly potentially handed his chance in such a crucial game. Whether Ferguson is ready to make the bold decision to drop Butland and place his faith in Kelly remains to be seen, but it’s a choice that could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.

In addition to the goalkeeper dilemma, Ferguson must also grapple with the form of several key players who have been underperforming in recent weeks. Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande, Cyriel Dessers, and Hamza Igamane all had poor showings against Hibernian, with their lack of impact on the game further amplifying the concerns over Rangers’ lack of cohesion and fluency. Dessers, in particular, has been a source of frustration for fans, with flashes of quality undermined by inconsistent performances. Ferguson has been persistent in playing Dessers through the middle, but with limited success. The Belgian striker has struggled to replicate his earlier promise, and his lack of form is becoming a significant issue for Ferguson. Furthermore, Igamane has found himself in an unnatural position on the left wing, a role that has not played to his strengths. Forcing Igamane to play out of position while Dessers continues to start has raised questions over whether Ferguson is getting the best out of his players.

One of the most intriguing decisions Ferguson must make is whether to introduce Brazilian forward Danilo into the starting lineup. Danilo has struggled for game time this season, and while his performances have not been as consistent as some would like, there is a belief that he could offer something different in attack. Danilo’s speed, technical ability, and off-the-ball movement could be exactly what Rangers need to break down Bilbao’s defense, particularly if they are able to play a more fluid and direct style of football. The question Ferguson faces is whether to throw him into such an important match, given his relative lack of match fitness and integration into the team. Ferguson will need to weigh the risks carefully, but there is certainly potential for Danilo to make a difference.

Alongside Danilo, another player whose inclusion could be pivotal to Rangers’ success in Europe is Nedim Bajrami. The Albanian international has been at his most effective in European competition this season, and his performance against Hibernian, where he hit the woodwork, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal team showing. Bajrami’s creativity, vision, and technical ability could be key against a team like Athletic Bilbao, who are likely to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. His ability to play in tight spaces and pick out incisive passes could help unlock Bilbao’s defense, especially if Ferguson opts for a more attacking formation. Given that Bajrami has saved his best performances for European nights, this could be the perfect stage for him to shine.

Despite the availability of Bajrami and Danilo, many feel that the inclusion of Ianis Hagi is critical for Rangers’ success on Thursday. Former Rangers player and current pundit Andy Halliday has been vocal in his support for Hagi, arguing that the Romanian international’s creativity and ability to operate in tight spaces are exactly what Rangers need in their current run of form. Rangers have struggled to create chances and break down stubborn defenses, and Hagi’s ability to deliver incisive passes and unlock opposition defenses could make all the difference. Although Hagi has struggled for form in recent months, particularly as uncertainty over his future continues to swirl, his talent is undeniable. Halliday believes that Hagi’s creativity is essential, particularly in a game where Rangers are likely to be under pressure for large periods. Many Rangers supporters share this sentiment, as Hagi has previously shown glimpses of his potential in European competition, making him a player who could be key to their hopes of advancing further in the Europa League.

However, Ferguson faces a tough choice in how to incorporate Hagi back into the side. With Igamane still struggling to find his best form on the left wing, and Dessers continuing to disappoint in a central role, Ferguson may have to make a difficult decision. Some believe that Igamane could be better suited to a more central position, possibly even as a number nine, with Dessers dropped to the bench. This would allow Hagi to return to a more familiar role, creating opportunities from deeper positions. However, Ferguson’s dilemma is balancing the needs of his squad with the demands of such an important European fixture. If he does drop Dessers and Igamane for Hagi, it would be a bold decision, but one that could be crucial to unlocking the creativity that Rangers have so sorely lacked.

In addition to Hagi and Bajrami, Ferguson has also hinted at giving younger players like Bailey Rice a chance to prove themselves on the European stage. Rice, a talented teenager, has had limited opportunities this season due to injury and fierce competition for places in midfield. However, his composure and intelligence on the ball make him a potentially useful option against a team like Athletic Bilbao, who are likely to dominate possession. While Rice may not yet be at the level of some of his more experienced teammates, his ability to keep the ball and dictate play could be invaluable in a game where Rangers will need to remain calm and composed under pressure. Ferguson has spoken highly of Rice’s potential, and this could be an opportunity for the young midfielder to stake his claim for a more regular role in the first team.

With all of these factors in mind, it is clear that Ferguson faces a number of difficult decisions in the lead-up to Thursday’s game. The expectation is that he will make significant changes to the starting lineup, but how far he is willing to go in shaking things up remains uncertain. The introduction of fresh faces, such as Hagi, Bajrami, and Danilo, alongside the possibility of dropping underperforming players like Dessers and Igamane, could be just the spark that Rangers need to turn their fortunes around. However, these decisions carry risk, and Ferguson will need to balance the need for change with the reality of facing a tough opponent in Athletic Bilbao.

Ultimately, Thursday’s match is a crucial moment for both Ferguson and the team. Rangers’ season could hinge on their performance in this Europa League quarter-final, and Ferguson’s ability to make the right changes will play a huge role in determining whether they can progress further in the competition. The pressure is on, and Ferguson’s decisions over the next 48 hours will be scrutinized, but they will also be the key to whether Rangers can end their run of poor form and mount a serious challenge in Europe.