Tottenham head to Glasgow to face a red-hot Rangers side, hoping to halt their winless streak and avoid further Europa League embarrassment.
It’s been a bumpy ride for Spurs fans lately. From defensive collapses to injuries galore, Tottenham are stumbling into Ibrox hoping to salvage their Europa League campaign. Rangers, meanwhile, are strutting in with the confidence of a side unbeaten in eight games.
Hopefully, Ange Postecoglou’s return to familiar Scottish territory will spark a turnaround.
What time does Tottenham v Rangers kick-off?
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Stadium: Ibrox Stadium
- Date: Thursday, 12th December 2024
- Kick-off Time: 8 pm BST
How both teams go into Tottenham v Rangers
Let’s start with the visitors. Spurs’ recent form? Well, let’s just say it’s been less ‘North London Derby glory’ and more ‘North London misery.’ Four Premier League games without a win, injuries mounting like a bad Jenga game, and a fanbase growing increasingly restless. Add to that the embarrassment of sitting 11th in the Premier League table – yes, 11th – and you get the picture.
On the European front, Spurs are level with Rangers in terms of results—three wins, a draw, and a loss—but trail on goal difference. At least we’re not leaking goals at home in this competition.
Meanwhile, Rangers come into this game with the kind of form Spurs fans can only dream about. Eight games unbeaten, third in the Scottish Premiership, and back-to-back wins against Kilmarnock and Ross County.
Still, we’ve got one little nugget of hope: Ange Postecoglou knows Rangers. He’s beaten them five times in eight attempts from his Celtic days, and if anyone can the home fans a hard time, it’s our Aussie gaffer.
The last time these two sides met? A friendly back in July 2022 when Harry Kane bagged a brace to seal a 2-1 win for Spurs. Oh, how we miss that man.
Tottenham Team News
Let’s address the elephant in the room – injuries. Spurs’ medical room is busier than the transfer rumour mill in January. Richarlison and Odobert are out with hamstring issues. Ben Davies is sidelined for the same, and there’s still no confirmation on whether Mikey Moore has recovered from his virus and Ange’s Europa League squad decisions continue to baffle fans (Djed Spence, anyone?).
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Rodrigo Bentancur is back amidst his league suspension, and Will Lankshear returns from his red card against Galatasaray. Fraser Forster, who has been outstanding in Vicario’s absence, will once again be between the sticks – and honestly, no complaints there.
Rangers Team News
Rangers’ injury list is less chaotic. Neraysho Kasanwirjo is their only confirmed absentee, and there’s cautious optimism around Oscar Cortes and Tom Lawrence. Rabbi Matondo has returned to training and could feature, giving Philippe Clement a near-full squad to choose from.
Their key man? Cyriel Dessers. With 14 goal contributions this season, he’s been tormenting defences across the Premiership. And then there’s James Tavernier – a creative machine with 34 chances created in the league. Stopping these two will be crucial for Spurs.
Predicted Tottenham Line-Up
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Lankshear, Werner
Our Prediction
This game feels like a test of resilience for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou’s record against Rangers from his Celtic days should give fans some hope, but let’s face it – Tottenham are currently about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm.
The good news is Rangers have their own flaws. They’re poor at defending set pieces, often leaving opponents unmarked, and their decision-making on counter-attacks aren’t much better, either. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? This could be the perfect opportunity for Spurs to capitalise – provided we don’t waste corners like we usually do.
Keep an eye on Will Lankshear. The youngster is itching to make amends after his red card in Istanbul, and his hunger could be the difference-maker. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s makeshift backline of Dragusin and Gray will have the tough task of keeping Dessers and Tavernier quiet. Rangers have struggled to capitalise on narrow spaces, so quick defensive reactions and narrowing down gaps will be crucial. Ben Davies would have been ideal for this role, but in his absence, Gray will need to step up.
Sure, predicting a 3-0 win might sound optimistic given our current struggles, but football’s a funny game. We have seen miracles before, and maybe, just maybe, this is the night Ange’s men remind us why we love this club.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Rangers. Nothing wrong in dreaming big though…