Absolutely — this is one of the boldest and most controversial team selections Rangers fans have seen in a long time, and it could have massive implications not just for the outcome of the season, but for Barry Ferguson’s standing as Rangers manager.

To begin with, the context of this match cannot be overstated. Rangers go into this game knowing that anything less than a point will mathematically crown Celtic as Scottish Premiership champions. That alone turns this into one of the most high-stakes domestic games of the campaign, regardless of the opponent. But the opponent in this case — Aberdeen at Pittodrie — makes it even more combustible. Aberdeen, under new boss Jimmy Thelin, have been rejuvenated. The team is finally starting to show cohesion and identity, and in recent weeks, they’ve looked far more like the side their fans have been demanding all season. The energy at Pittodrie is rising — and for a Rangers team packed with fringe players and youngsters, that’s a daunting challenge.

And yet, despite all of this, Barry Ferguson has rung the changes — nine of them — from the XI that started against Athletic Club in midweek. That Europa League tie remains finely poised at 0-0, and it’s clear that Ferguson is gambling on keeping his key men fresh for what could be a historic night in Spain. In theory, it’s understandable — Rangers haven’t reached a European semi-final since 2022, and a deep run could be transformative both financially and in terms of club prestige. But Ferguson must know what’s at stake domestically as well. If this rotated team falters and Celtic clinch the title today, he will carry the blame — and Rangers fans, who demand domestic dominance every bit as much as European adventure, may not be so forgiving.

Let’s take a deeper look at the starting XI. Liam Kelly, the penalty shootout hero from the first leg against Athletic Club, keeps his place in goal. That’s likely both a reward and a necessity, with Jack Butland held back for the European return. Kelly was outstanding in midweek, and his confidence will be high — but this will be a different kind of test, against a fired-up Aberdeen attack in a hostile atmosphere.

In defence, Ferguson has had no choice but to make changes. Dujon Sterling’s Achilles injury is a serious blow — not just for today, but potentially for the remainder of the season. That forced reshuffle sees Clinton Nsiala, Rafael Fernandes, and Robin Propper form an unfamiliar and largely untested back three. Propper, red-carded against Athletic Club, will be under particular pressure to redeem himself, and with Nsiala and Fernandes also relatively inexperienced in these high-stakes environments, this backline is a clear area of concern. Pittodrie is not the place to be blooding defensive partnerships, but here we are.

Midfield is another major reshuffle. Connor Barron, wearing the captain’s armband on his return to Pittodrie, is one of the big headlines. There’s emotional weight to that decision, and while Barron is undoubtedly a talented player, this could either inspire him to a dominant performance or see him overwhelmed by the occasion. Alongside him are Nedim Bajrami, Oscar Cortes, Ross McCausland, and Findlay Curtis — a collection of technically gifted, energetic players, but not a group with a wealth of minutes together. It’s a midfield that will be asked to do a lot — defend stoutly, link play, and drive the team forward — but it’s unclear who the true leader is in there beyond Barron, and cohesion could be an issue.

Up front, Ferguson has opted for Hamza Igamane and Danilo. Danilo, when fit, has been one of Rangers’ most effective attackers this season and is likely in the team to provide experience and a cutting edge. Igamane, however, is relatively unproven and will need to rise to the occasion fast. The pressure will be on this pair to not only provide a goal threat but also lead the press and give Aberdeen’s backline something to think about. If they don’t click, Rangers could find themselves isolated and pinned back quickly.

Then there’s the bench — a clear sign that Ferguson is hedging his bets. Tavernier, Souttar, Dessers, Diomande, Hagi, Jefte — these are players who could start almost any game for Rangers. The manager clearly hopes he won’t need to call on them, but if things go wrong early, don’t be surprised to see a raft of second-half changes in a desperate bid to salvage the result.

Fan reaction has been mixed, as you’d expect. Some have called the selection “a wild team,” others an “absolute mess,” but there are also more pragmatic voices who see the logic in keeping key men fresh for Bilbao. There’s a real sense of tension in the air — this game feels like a crossroads moment for Rangers. A positive result with this team would be a massive boost and a testament to the depth of the squad. But if they lose, and Celtic seal the title as a result, Ferguson will face an avalanche of criticism. Even fans who support the decision to prioritise Europe will feel the sting of seeing their rivals celebrate — especially if it happens on a day when Rangers fielded a side that many see as second-string.

In many ways, this is a season-defining weekend. The stakes are enormous — both in the league and in Europe — and Ferguson has chosen his path. It’s brave, possibly brilliant, but it’s also fraught with risk. How this young and rotated Rangers side handles the pressure at Pittodrie could go a long way toward shaping not only the end of the season, but Barry Ferguson’s tenure at the club.

So now, all eyes turn to Aberdeen. Will this bold gamble pay off — or will it go down as the day Rangers let the title slip away without a fight?