Let’s be honest, fellow Gers—this European campaign has been nothing short of a nightmare. From the 9-1 aggregate pumping by Club Brugge in the qualifiers to sitting 33rd in the Europa League table with a solitary point, the continental stage hasn’t been kind to us this season.
But there’s a different feeling around Ibrox this week. Under Danny Rohl, we’ve found a domestic gear that Russell Martin couldn’t dream of. We are on a six-game winning streak, we’ve closed the gap to just six points behind league leaders Hearts, and the “Rohl-ution” is officially in full swing. On Thursday night, Ludogorets Razgrad come to Govan, and it’s time we showed Europe that the real Rangers are back.
The European Pride Factor
Mathematically, our chances of hitting the top 24 are basically dead. We’d need a miracle involving results elsewhere and a massive swing in goal difference. However, Ibrox on a Thursday night isn’t about mathematics; it’s about standards.
Rohl has won 12 of his 20 matches since taking over in October, but that L-D-L-L-L-L form line in Europe is a stain we need to wash off. Ludogorets are 23rd and desperate for points to stay in the qualification spots, but they are poor travellers—losing all three of their away games in this competition so far. If we can’t take three points off the Bulgarians at home, we don’t deserve to be in the conversation.
Team News: Managing the Midfield Absentee List
The medical room at Auchenhowie is a bit crowded at the moment. We are likely to be without Connor Barron and Nedim Bajrami, which is a massive miss for our creative spark.
However, Rohl’s rotation against Annan Athletic in the Cup was smart. It means the big guns are fresh. I expect to see the “tried and tested” back in the XI:
- Jack Butland returns between the sticks to provide that veteran leadership.
- James Tavernier and John Souttar will anchor the defence.
- Mikey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard are the ones I’m excited about—their energy in Rohl’s high-press system has been the catalyst for our recent league form.
Match Prediction: Rangers 2-0 Ludogorets
Ludogorets haven’t played a competitive game since Christmas due to their winter break. They might be well-rested, but we are match-sharp. We’ve played six times since they last kicked a ball in anger. In the Glasgow rain, with a raucous Ibrox crowd behind them, I expect the Gers to be too fast and too physical for the “Eagles.”
We might be playing for pride, but under Danny Rohl, pride is everything. Let’s get that first European win on the board and keep the momentum building for the domestic title charge.
What’s your starting XI for Thursday? Do we go all-out attack, or does Rohl keep it tight to ensure the clean sheet? Let me know in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
