Barry Ferguson surprising Rangers Tottenham call and how to stop Celtic 'trouble'

11/13/2024 10:02 AM

Just over a month away, the Premier Sports Cup final is getting closer.

After beating Motherwell in the semi-final at Hampden, Rangers fans instantly knew there would be a derby to come in the final.

That means there is no longer a wait until the start of January for Scotland’s biggest fixture.

Some supporters have an air of trepidation around it given the recent record in the derby.

But if the club is to get back on top, it will need to keep taking these games on.

• READ MORE: Rangers told to seal 'no-brainer' transfer for Premiership star that was 'outstanding' at Ibrox

Rangers should rest players vs Tottenham

Where it becomes tricky is that Rangers face Tottenham in the Europa League three days before the big showpiece final.

Gers have a good chance of progressing through the league phase but a trio of fixtures against Nice, Spurs and Manchester United could threaten to derail that.

But how seriously does Philippe Clement take that Thursday night game just three days before the Old Firm final?

Barry Ferguson says he would completely change the XI for both matches to rest players for the big one.

"For me, the most important game is the cup final," Ferguson told the Go Radio Football Show. "Every game is important, but that is a game that Rangers have to win. They have to.

"So it'll be interesting that you see the team that plays against Tottenham. I would have a different team that plays against Celtic.

"You need to be going there as fresh as possible, 100% ready to lift that cup.”

Rangers must take care of Daizen Maeda

Ferguson also insists Rangers must ‘suffocate’ Daizen Maeda at Hampden or they will be in trouble.

The Japanese forward has caused Gers plenty of problems in the past and scored quite a few big goals in the game.

Fergie added: "He's been a thorn in Rangers' side over the last number of years. He is one player that you can't give an inch, Maeda.

"You need to suffocate him. If you don't suffocate him, you're in trouble."