Rangers take on Fiorentina in their UEFA Cup semi-final in Italy tomorrow night following a goalless first leg at Ibrox.
Here we look at the key battles that could decide who travels to Manchester for the final on May 14.
ADRIAN MUTU v CARLOS CUELLAR
Romania striker Mutu admitted he was shocked by the negative tactics of Rangers in an "ugly" first leg. The former Chelsea forward provided the only real threat with a 25-yard strike that was held well by Neil Alexander. Mutu, with 24 goals already this season, will be hoping for more space in Florence but his spectacular strike in the last round against PSV Eindhoven showed he does not need much.
Cuellar has been almost unfailingly solid in his first season at Ibrox and won the Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the year award. He lost at this stage with Osasuna last season but is confident Rangers can go one step further. Will be keen for centre-back partner David Weir to recover from a groin injury but has the ability to cope with the disruption should Christian Dailly be forced to deputise.
MARIO SANTANA v BARRY FERGUSON
Argentina midfielder Santana is Fiorentina's main creative force and will need to be closely watched in the Stadio Artemi. The 26-year-old former Chievo player can play wide right or through the middle. He admitted Rangers were "one of the most uncomfortable teams" he has played against but expressed his determination to unlock the Gers defence this time.
Ferguson missed the first leg through suspension and his absence was felt as Rangers struggled to support their front players. The Scotland skipper has been affected by an ankle problem but his influence and desire to get forward can still be crucial weapons for Rangers.
TOMAS UJFALUSI v JEAN-CLAUDE DARCHEVILLE
Ujfalusi was lucky to escape a yellow card for a challenge on Darcheville at Ibrox, and a booking in Florence would rule him out of the final. That threat may linger in the back of his mind but the Czech international is an experienced defender who has been linked with moves to Juventus, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. He has delayed a decision on his future until the summer, when his contract runs out, and will be desperate to leave on a high should he decide to move on.
Darcheville had the beating of the Fiorentina defence with his pace in the first leg, although he had limited opportunities to show it before being substituted around the hour mark. He was unceremoniously dumped several times as the Italians spotted the danger. The 32-year-old lone striker will need more support this time but possesses the skill and speed to spark attacks on his own.
ADRIAN MUTU v CARLOS CUELLAR
Romania striker Mutu admitted he was shocked by the negative tactics of Rangers in an "ugly" first leg. The former Chelsea forward provided the only real threat with a 25-yard strike that was held well by Neil Alexander. Mutu, with 24 goals already this season, will be hoping for more space in Florence but his spectacular strike in the last round against PSV Eindhoven showed he does not need much.
Cuellar has been almost unfailingly solid in his first season at Ibrox and won the Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the year award. He lost at this stage with Osasuna last season but is confident Rangers can go one step further. Will be keen for centre-back partner David Weir to recover from a groin injury but has the ability to cope with the disruption should Christian Dailly be forced to deputise.
MARIO SANTANA v BARRY FERGUSON
Argentina midfielder Santana is Fiorentina's main creative force and will need to be closely watched in the Stadio Artemi. The 26-year-old former Chievo player can play wide right or through the middle. He admitted Rangers were "one of the most uncomfortable teams" he has played against but expressed his determination to unlock the Gers defence this time.
Ferguson missed the first leg through suspension and his absence was felt as Rangers struggled to support their front players. The Scotland skipper has been affected by an ankle problem but his influence and desire to get forward can still be crucial weapons for Rangers.
TOMAS UJFALUSI v JEAN-CLAUDE DARCHEVILLE
Ujfalusi was lucky to escape a yellow card for a challenge on Darcheville at Ibrox, and a booking in Florence would rule him out of the final. That threat may linger in the back of his mind but the Czech international is an experienced defender who has been linked with moves to Juventus, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. He has delayed a decision on his future until the summer, when his contract runs out, and will be desperate to leave on a high should he decide to move on.
Darcheville had the beating of the Fiorentina defence with his pace in the first leg, although he had limited opportunities to show it before being substituted around the hour mark. He was unceremoniously dumped several times as the Italians spotted the danger. The 32-year-old lone striker will need more support this time but possesses the skill and speed to spark attacks on his own.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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