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Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski nets equaliser to cancel out Hamza Igamane opener in Europa League

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Dejan Kulusevski rescued a point for Tottenham on Ange Postecoglou's Glasgow return in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League.

The former Celtic manager arrived at Ibrox with an out-of-form, injury-hit side and was fortunate to leave without defeat after an unconvincing performance that leaves them winless in five games.

Postecoglou brought Kulusevski on at half time and he fired into the bottom right corner at the end of a well-worked move to keep Spurs in the hunt for automatic qualification, but they still needed a superb late save from Fraser Forster to deny Cyriel Dessers a winner.

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Rangers had led when Hamza Igamane tucked home from James Tavernier's smart pass behind the Tottenham defence just two minutes into the second half, and had the ball in the net late on when Dessers turned in from an offside position.

The hosts deserved to be ahead having had the better of the first half. Forster tipped over Nedim Bajrami's shot and also denied Vaclav Cerny twice.

The visitors had only one shot on target - a tame effort from close range - during the first half, with the misfiring Timo Werner lacking confidence in front of goal, while the offside Brennan Johnson was somehow denied by Jack Butland's point-blank save.

Rangers were dealt a blow when John Souttar was forced off injured in the 35th minute but they head into Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic with confidence after another promising display.

Postecoglou: An important point but Werner performance unacceptable

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou said:

"A tough game, as expected, obviously with the atmosphere in the stadium. The first half was pretty tight with no clear-cut for either side.

"When they score straight after half-time the energy levels obviously go up and it's going to be a tough one to claw back, but I thought we worked our way back in well.

"The substitutes made a difference and we scored a good goal, had other good moments and a great save by Fraser [Forster] at the end. In the context of where we are in Europe, an important point."

On Timo Werner's performance: "He wasn't playing anywhere near the level he should. When you've got 18-year-olds [playing] it's not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He's a senior German international.

"The moment we're in right now, it's not like we've got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn't acceptable."

Boyd: Were Spurs trying?

Sky Sports' Kris Boyd:

"Philippe Clement will be the happier of the two managers. The financial gulf between the two teams is absolutely huge. That doesn't mean to say you can't go and get a result, and Rangers have shown that tonight.

"It took a terrific finish from Kulusevski when he came on to get Tottenham the equaliser, but Rangers, throughout the game, caused problems. They played really, really well, had some great individual performances. Nicolas Raskin was excellent in the middle of the pitch, Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

"Tottenham, at some stages in that match, you just thought to yourself, are they actually trying? Are they working hard? Because everything was so slow, even going to close Rangers' players down, they just looked off it.

"I get that they've got a lot of injuries, but that should give others an opportunity to show they're good enough to be at the club and forget about the ones that are injured.

"There are lots of top talented players in that Tottenham team that are missing, but I didn't think they'd done enough to win the game tonight, that's for sure."

Kulusevski: Everyone needs to do more

Tottenham goalscorer Dejan Kulusevski speaking to TNT Sports:

"Rangers played very well, we struggled a bit. We didn't play well enough to win the game. Rangers played a perfect game, it's a beautiful stadium, the fans helped them a lot.

"I wanted to change something, to make something happen and I succeeded once but not enough today. It's always important to score but we've got to start winning games now. It's time to win on Sunday.

"Everybody needs to do a little more than we're doing now."

Clement: We should have won

Rangers manager Philippe Clement said:

"They took the challenge with both hands, they grabbed it and showed what we wanted them to show everybody.

"I still leave now thinking we should have won, we deserved to win the game but I think it was a very good advertisement for Scottish football to compete with a Premier League team at full strength.

"I want that mentality within my squad - that they were not satisfied with the point, they felt they were really close to winning."

On John Souttar's injury: "It's not a good thing when you have to come off in the first half but we'll find more in the coming days."

What's coming up in the Europa League?

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Philippe Clement: Rangers disappointed with Europa League draw against Tottenham - and I like that spirit

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Philippe Clement was buoyed by the hunger of his Rangers players after seeing their disappointment in drawing with Tottenham.

Rangers were denied by Dejan Kulusevski's strike 15 minutes from time after Hamza Igamane's goal had deservedly put them ahead early in the second half.

Fraser Forster made a superb late save to deny Cyriel Dessers a winner, although Rangers sit inside the automatic qualification zone and continued their upturn in form.

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Report and analysis

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"Football is about wanting to win, this club is about that," said Clement. "I saw the same thing in my dressing room and I am happy they were not satisfied with the draw.

"That's the right spirit, and that's the spirit we're going to need in the next weeks and next months to grow as a club.

"They took the challenge with both hands, they grabbed it and showed what we wanted them to show everybody.

"I still leave now thinking we should have won. We deserved to win the game but I think it was a very good advertisement for Scottish football to compete with a Premier League team at full strength.

"I want that mentality within my squad - that they were not satisfied with the point, they felt they were really close to winning."

Rangers were dealt a blow when centre-back John Souttar was forced off injured in the 35th minute ahead of Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic.

Clement said: "It's not a good thing when you have to come off in the first half but we'll find more in the coming days."

Boyd: Rangers played really well

Kris Boyd on Sky Sports News:

"Philippe Clement will be the happier of the two managers. The financial gulf between the two teams is absolutely huge. That doesn't mean to say you can't go and get a result, and Rangers have shown that.

"It took a terrific finish from Kulusevski when he came on to get Tottenham the equaliser, but Rangers throughout the game caused problems.

"They played really well, had some great individual performances there tonight. Hamza Igamane is completely shot right now. He got his goal but his all-around performance in terms of holding the ball up, getting his team-mates in contact with him.

"Nicolas Raskin was excellent in the middle of the pitch. Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz. Yilmaz has not played a lot of football."

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Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski nets equaliser to cancel out Hamza Igamane opener in Europa League

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Dejan Kulusevski rescued a point for Tottenham on Ange Postecoglou's Glasgow return in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League.

The former Celtic manager arrived at Ibrox with an out-of-form, injury-hit side and was fortunate to leave without defeat after an unconvincing performance that leaves them winless in five games.

Postecoglou brought Kulusevski on at half time and he fired into the bottom right corner at the end of a well-worked move to keep Spurs in the hunt for automatic qualification, but they still needed a superb late save from Fraser Forster to deny Cyriel Dessers a winner.

Teams | Match stats | Live Europa League table

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Rangers had led when Hamza Igamane tucked home from James Tavernier's smart pass behind the Tottenham defence just two minutes into the second half, and had the ball in the net late on when Dessers turned in from an offside position.

The hosts deserved to be ahead having had the better of the first half. Forster tipped over Nedim Bajrami's shot and also denied Vaclav Cerny twice.

The visitors had only one shot on target - a tame effort from close range - during the first half, with the misfiring Timo Werner lacking confidence in front of goal, while the offside Brennan Johnson was somehow denied by Jack Butland's point-blank save.

Rangers were dealt a blow when John Souttar was forced off injured in the 35th minute but they head into Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic with confidence after another promising display.

Postecoglou: An important point but Werner performance unacceptable

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou said:

"A tough game, as expected, obviously with the atmosphere in the stadium. The first half was pretty tight with no clear-cut for either side.

"When they score straight after half-time the energy levels obviously go up and it's going to be a tough one to claw back, but I thought we worked our way back in well.

"The substitutes made a difference and we scored a good goal, had other good moments and a great save by Fraser [Forster] at the end. In the context of where we are in Europe, an important point."

On Timo Werner's performance: "He wasn't playing anywhere near the level he should. When you've got 18-year-olds [playing] it's not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He's a senior German international.

"The moment we're in right now, it's not like we've got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn't acceptable."

Boyd: Were Spurs trying?

Sky Sports' Kris Boyd:

"Philippe Clement will be the happier of the two managers. The financial gulf between the two teams is absolutely huge. That doesn't mean to say you can't go and get a result, and Rangers have shown that tonight.

"It took a terrific finish from Kulusevski when he came on to get Tottenham the equaliser, but Rangers, throughout the game, caused problems. They played really, really well, had some great individual performances. Nicolas Raskin was excellent in the middle of the pitch, Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

"Tottenham, at some stages in that match, you just thought to yourself, are they actually trying? Are they working hard? Because everything was so slow, even going to close Rangers' players down, they just looked off it.

"I get that they've got a lot of injuries, but that should give others an opportunity to show they're good enough to be at the club and forget about the ones that are injured.

"There are lots of top talented players in that Tottenham team that are missing, but I didn't think they'd done enough to win the game tonight, that's for sure."

Kulusevski: Everyone needs to do more

Tottenham goalscorer Dejan Kulusevski speaking to TNT Sports:

"Rangers played very well, we struggled a bit. We didn't play well enough to win the game. Rangers played a perfect game, it's a beautiful stadium, the fans helped them a lot.

"I wanted to change something, to make something happen and I succeeded once but not enough today. It's always important to score but we've got to start winning games now. It's time to win on Sunday.

"Everybody needs to do a little more than we're doing now."

Clement: We should have won

Rangers manager Philippe Clement said:

"They took the challenge with both hands, they grabbed it and showed what we wanted them to show everybody.

"I still leave now thinking we should have won, we deserved to win the game but I think it was a very good advertisement for Scottish football to compete with a Premier League team at full strength.

"I want that mentality within my squad - that they were not satisfied with the point, they felt they were really close to winning."

On John Souttar's injury: "It's not a good thing when you have to come off in the first half but we'll find more in the coming days."

What's coming up in the Europa League?

Source

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski nets equaliser to cancel out Hamza Igamane opener in Europa League

Submitted by daniel on
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Dejan Kulusevski rescued a point for Tottenham on Ange Postecoglou's Glasgow return in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League.

The former Celtic manager arrived at Ibrox with an out-of-form, injury-hit side and was fortunate to leave without defeat after an unconvincing performance that leaves them winless in five games.

Postecoglou brought Kulusevski on at half time and he fired into the bottom right corner at the end of a well-worked move to keep Spurs in the hunt for automatic qualification, but they still needed a superb late save from Fraser Forster to deny Cyriel Dessers a winner.

Teams | Match stats | Live Europa League table

Stream Sky Sports with NOW | Download the Sky Sports App

Rangers had led when Hamza Igamane tucked home from James Tavernier's smart pass behind the Tottenham defence just two minutes into the second half, and had the ball in the net late on when Dessers turned in from an offside position.

The hosts deserved to be ahead having had the better of the first half. Forster tipped over Nedim Bajrami's shot and also denied Vaclav Cerny twice.

The visitors had only one shot on target - a tame effort from close range - during the first half, with the misfiring Timo Werner lacking confidence in front of goal, while the offside Brennan Johnson was somehow denied by Jack Butland's point-blank save.

Rangers were dealt a blow when John Souttar was forced off injured in the 35th minute but they head into Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic with confidence after another promising display.

Postecoglou: An important point but Werner performance unacceptable

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou said:

"A tough game, as expected, obviously with the atmosphere in the stadium. The first half was pretty tight with no clear-cut for either side.

"When they score straight after half-time the energy levels obviously go up and it's going to be a tough one to claw back, but I thought we worked our way back in well.

"The substitutes made a difference and we scored a good goal, had other good moments and a great save by Fraser [Forster] at the end. In the context of where we are in Europe, an important point."

On Timo Werner's performance: "He wasn't playing anywhere near the level he should. When you've got 18-year-olds [playing] it's not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He's a senior German international.

"The moment we're in right now, it's not like we've got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn't acceptable."

Boyd: Were Spurs trying?

Sky Sports' Kris Boyd:

"Philippe Clement will be the happier of the two managers. The financial gulf between the two teams is absolutely huge. That doesn't mean to say you can't go and get a result, and Rangers have shown that tonight.

"It took a terrific finish from Kulusevski when he came on to get Tottenham the equaliser, but Rangers, throughout the game, caused problems. They played really, really well, had some great individual performances. Nicolas Raskin was excellent in the middle of the pitch, Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

"Tottenham, at some stages in that match, you just thought to yourself, are they actually trying? Are they working hard? Because everything was so slow, even going to close Rangers' players down, they just looked off it.

"I get that they've got a lot of injuries, but that should give others an opportunity to show they're good enough to be at the club and forget about the ones that are injured.

"There are lots of top talented players in that Tottenham team that are missing, but I didn't think they'd done enough to win the game tonight, that's for sure."

Kulusevski: Everyone needs to do more

Tottenham goalscorer Dejan Kulusevski speaking to TNT Sports:

"Rangers played very well, we struggled a bit. We didn't play well enough to win the game. Rangers played a perfect game, it's a beautiful stadium, the fans helped them a lot.

"I wanted to change something, to make something happen and I succeeded once but not enough today. It's always important to score but we've got to start winning games now. It's time to win on Sunday.

"Everybody needs to do a little more than we're doing now."

Clement: We should have won

Rangers manager Philippe Clement said:

"They took the challenge with both hands, they grabbed it and showed what we wanted them to show everybody.

"I still leave now thinking we should have won, we deserved to win the game but I think it was a very good advertisement for Scottish football to compete with a Premier League team at full strength.

"I want that mentality within my squad - that they were not satisfied with the point, they felt they were really close to winning."

On John Souttar's injury: "It's not a good thing when you have to come off in the first half but we'll find more in the coming days."

What's coming up in the Europa League?

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Live Commentary - Newcastle vs Leicester

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Newcastle 0-0 Leicester

The table ahead of kick-off

Newcastle can find themselves in the top 10 with a win and a favourable goal margin.

Live Premier League table

Leicester will hope to draw further away from the drop zone with Wolves and Leicester in also in action this afternoon.

Team news reminder

Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali; Gordon, Murphy, Isak.

Subs: Odysseas, Tripier, Barnes, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff

Leicester: Hermansen; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Choudhury, Skipp; McAteer, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy.

Subs: Ward, Thomas, Faes, Okoli, Cartwright, Buonanotte, Ayew, De Cordova-Reid, Daka.

Last time out!

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Will Newcastle get up for this one?

Sky Sports' William Bitibiri:

"Newcastle's inconsistency has led to their slightly underwhelming start to this Premier League season. A lot of that is thanks to the fact that they can't seem to find points against the so-called lesser sides.

"Howe's side have taken points from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and 5th place Nottingham Forest since the end of September, but have won just one of their seven Premier League games this season against sides starting the day in the bottom half of the table."

Your match officials this afternoon

Referee: Tom Bramall.

Assistants: Scott Ledger, Mat Wilkes.

Fourth official: James Bell.

VAR: Jarred Gillett.

Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton.

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Watch free match highlights from 5.15pm

Don't worry about the 3pm blackout, once the final whistle goes at St James' Park you can watch full match highlights right here on skysports.com from 5.15pm.

They'll be available here in the match blog as well as in our match reports, so don't move a muscle.

Watch Premier League goals and highlights free online for every match in 2024/25 season

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'Who said I wanted to leave?' | Gordon on his future and Newcastle's inconsistency

Can Ruud's St James' record inspire a Leicester win?

Sky Sports' William Bitibiri:

"If the Leicester players find themselves up against it this afternoon, in the harsh atmosphere of St James' Park, they can look to their dugout for inspiration.

"Standing on the touchline they will see a man that played five games at St James’ Park during his playing career and scored in every single game."

Jones Knows - Isak to be amongst the goals this afternoon

Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard up against Alexander Isak looks like a mismatch of epic proportions.

Surely the Newcastle striker, whose movement and guile completely bamboozled Virgil van Dijk in the Toon's last home game, is going to prove too sharp and too deadly for the ageing Leicester central pairing to handle.

Isak comes into the game with six goals in his last seven starts and is the only reliable finisher in a somewhat inconsistent Newcastle frontline.

Keep it simple and just keep Isak on your side if having a bet in this game.

The 3/1 first goalscorer, 4/1 for a brace and 16/1 for a hat-trick are all live runners.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1

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Sky Sports

Three Leicester changes

Ruud van Nistelrooy has made three changes as he names his third Leicester starting eleven.

Hamza Choudhury makes his first Premier League start for the Foxes. He starts alongside Oliver Skipp in the absence of both Wilfried Ndidi and Boubacar Soumare.

Stephy Mavididi replaces Jordan Ayew.

Four Newcastle changes

Eddie Howe has made four changes to the side that were beaten by Brentford last time out. Sandro Tonali returns to the starting eleven, replacing Sean Longstaff.

Antony Gordon also makes a welcome return to the side coming in for Harvey Barnes who is on the bench against his former side.

Martin Dubravka is in for the injured Nick Pope while Emil Krafth, absent from the squad, is replaced by Tino Livramento.

Leicester team news - Choudhury comes into midfield

Team to face Newcastle: Hermansen; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Choudhury, Skipp; McAteer, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy.

Subs: Ward, Thomas, Faes, Okoli, Cartwright, Buonanotte, Ayew, De Cordova-Reid, Daka.

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Newcastle team news - Tonali starts

Team to face Leicester: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali; Gordon, Murphy, Isak.

Subs: Odysseas, Tripier, Barnes, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff

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Will Willock be involved this afternoon?

Joe Willock has arrived alongside his team-mates despite being a doubt for this afternoon's clash... Team news in five minutes.

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Early Leicester team news

Wilfried Ndidi is the major absentee for Ruud van Nistelrooy's Foxes. The midfielder is set for a couple of weeks on the sidelines due to injury.

There are further problems in midfield with Harry Winks also a doubt while Boubacar Soumare is suspended for the trip to Newcastle.

Jayden Joseph and Henry Cartwright were involved in training this week due to injuries in midfield and could be in line to make their Premier League debuts.

Early Newcastle team news

With first-choice stopper Nick Pope being ruled out for a month with a knee injury, Eddie Howe will likely call on Martin Dubravka to fill in between the sticks.

Joe Willock (hamstring) is also a doubt for the Leicester game, while Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson and Emil Krafth remain long-term absentees.

Get your score predictions in!

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Rangers 1-1 Tottenham: Europa League result and reaction

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Rangers vs Tottenham: Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou expects 'intense' Ibrox return in Europa League clash

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Under-pressure Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou returns to Glasgow on Thursday to face his former Old Firm rivals Rangers, who will be desperate to pile more misery on the ex-Celtic boss.

Postecoglou enjoyed two trophy-laden years at Celtic as he tormented Rangers by lifting five out of the six domestic trophies available during his tenure, including a Treble triumph in his second season.

But 18 months on from his Celtic exit, the Australian is finding life a lot tougher at Spurs.

No pressure on Postecoglou at Tottenham

Carra: If Ange doesn't change he won't remain Spurs boss

Live Europa League table | Fixtures | Results

Sunday's 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea means it is just one win in their last seven games in all competitions, and the love he enjoyed at Celtic is not being replicated in north London right now after he received abuse from fans in the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth last Thursday.

His old foes Rangers will sense a chance to heap more pain on the 59-year-old, who won only once at Ibrox (D1 L2) while in charge of Celtic.

There is a wider significance too for Postecoglou's Ibrox reunion. Rangers and Tottenham are separated by just goal difference in the Europa League table, with Philippe Clement's side sitting eighth.

A victory for ninth-placed Spurs would not only ease the pressure on Postecoglou but move his side into the top eight, which would avoid a two-legged knockout play-off round in February.

But Rangers will feel they are playing Spurs at a good time following their resurgence in form that has seen them win their last four games, including a 4-1 Europa League win at Nice.

They will also have a fervent Ibrox behind them - and Postecoglou knows an "intense" atmosphere awaits on his Ibrox return...

Ange: We'll feel 'intense' Ibrox atmosphere

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaking exclusively to Sky Sports about his Ibrox return:

"I'm looking forward to it. I had a great time up there in the two years I was there [at Celtic]. Fair to say, Ibrox can be fairly intense and I'm sure we'll feel that.

"But it's a great stadium to play football in. The atmosphere, European nights. Even when I was there, they did awfully well in Europe - the first year I was there they got to the Europa League final.

Tottenham fixtures | Premier League table

"So you know how European nights, irrespective of their league form, they really rise for, so it's a good challenge for us.

"I'm also looking forward to being back in Glasgow and feeling the cold again and hopefully see some friendly faces among the others."

On his time at Celtic: "I loved being part of Celtic as an institution, as a football club. If you've got a bucket list of clubs you want to manage for a period, that's certainly one that would have been in mine.

"I feel pretty blessed to have spent those two years there. Not just for me, my family. I enjoyed my whole time there. I enjoyed Scotland. People were really, really welcoming to me. Even whether they supported Celtic or not, I always knew where their allegiances lied by the way they approached me.

"Everyone really made me feel like it was an experience that I would keep close to me for the rest of my life."

On whether he still follows Celtic: "Absolutely. I'm right on board. Brendan's (Rodgers) done a brilliant job, as I knew he would. He's got great staff there, great players. He's taken the group to another level. They're doing really well in Europe as well, which is brilliant.

"If they're on the TV, I'm watching it and loving the way they're going."

'A must-not-lose match for Ange'

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge:

This Rangers match is not must-win for Postecoglou, but it is certainly a must-not-lose. Rangers fans would love nothing more than to consign the ex-Celtic boss to another defeat - and a loss also means Spurs could face the prospect of two more games in an unwanted play-off round.

Rangers in Europe are a different animal and Postecoglou will know more than anyone the atmosphere that awaits them on Thursday night.

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As it stands, there is no pressure on Postecoglou from those above him at N17. He enjoys a good working relationship with chairman Daniel Levy but many will point out that could change if the crowd gets restless. It could also change if Postecoglou himself gets restless over a challenging summer window, or is hit with another injury crisis.

However, unlike his predecessor Antonio Conte, Postecoglou is expected to battle on with the squad he has, hope key players return and perhaps add a January signing or two.

January is an incredibly tough market but Sky Sports News understands transfer discussions have taken place and will continue to do so. The board also recognise Spurs are in a decent position in Europe, have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at home next Thursday, live on Sky Sports, and are not a million miles away from the European places.

Postecoglou enjoyed a pretty stress-free first few months in his tenure and such a strong start perhaps exaggerated expectations on a side losing one of the best strikers, if not the best, in the world in Harry Kane.

It's now year two - the year Ange says he "always wins a trophy". Perhaps even the quote has been twisted to suggest he's promising one for Spurs in his second season. That's the scrutiny he now finds himself under on top of the daily debate over his supposed stubbornness to adapt and attacking style of play.

As Postecoglou says himself - he's at the club because the previous regime, one way or another, didn't deliver. Some fans will point to the board. Levy is not going to sack himself, so it is either a resurgence under Postecoglou or the supporters face the prospect of yet another rebuild.

Can Rangers shock Spurs?

Sky Sports' Scotland Editor Sahil Jaidka:

Over the past few years at Rangers there have been four different managers, countless transfers and mixed domestic fortunes. However, there has been one constant - Europa League success.

While many fans will dream of the Champions League riches, this is a competition that has brought out the best in the Gers - with the club reaching the last-16 in four successive campaigns. Now they're eyeing an upset of Premier League Tottenham.

Rangers fixtures

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It is a big week for the Ibrox club, with a League Cup final against rivals Celtic to follow on Sunday. However, positive results in both those matches would blow away any scars from a poor start to this season.

At one stage Rangers found themselves trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points after just 10 games in the Premiership. While Celtic continue to pull clear, Rangers are now just two points behind the Dons, with a game in hand.

Three straight league wins, 10 goals scored and none conceded have boosted confidence and eased pressure on Philippe Clement. It's too early to suggest all the issues that blighted the start of this season no longer exist but the Belgian boss seems to have found a more consistent starting XI - albeit Ianis Hagi and Danilo will need to drop out of Thursday after being left out of the European squad - and the fans will get behind the team if a similar results continue.

There was a note of caution from Clement who - when asked about facing Tottenham and Celtic - told Sky Sports: "They are totally different kind of games, maybe we need to say financially out of our league, the two games.

"We're going to compete and it's a really nice challenge for our squad to show themselves in these games and what we can do against those teams."

Whoever the opponent, whatever their budget - Rangers fans expect results at Ibrox. The return of Postecoglou adds extra spice, with a Rangers win heaping more pressure on the ex-Celtic boss while the scrutiny on Clement would ease.

Clement: Gers can bridge gap to write history

Clement was criticised by some fans for pointing to the superior spending power of the London giants and Sunday's League Cup final opponents Celtic.

However, when asked if his side can bridge the gap to Spurs and produce a performance of a lifetime, he said: "I'm convinced that's possible, yes.

"Everything can be bridged in one night. I had the luck, and it's not only luck, it's also a lot of hard work, as a player and as a manager, to have several nights where the gap was amazingly big.

"And those are also the best nights. If you then perform and you get the results, those are also the nights that you remember all of your life.

"Those are also the moments that, as a player, you remember your team-mates really well.

"The moments of success, the moment of doing something special. So in that way, I hope the players can give themselves and as a team a special night tomorrow.

"So I had a few of those. Rangers have also several of those in the history and those are the special evenings. So it's a really nice stage for my players."

Boyd: Bigger game for Spurs than Gers | 'Sacking Ange would be ridiculous'

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd speaking to Sky Sports News:

"Ange Postecoglou, coming back to Glasgow, will want to put on a show. He obviously wants to beat Rangers because of the form Tottenham have been in, and you get the feeling that pressure's starting to mount on him.

"Tottenham are struggling domestically, but you've seen some of their performances this season and the levels they can reach.

"With all the negativity that's been flying around and the speculation regarding Postecoglou's future - I think it would be absolutely ridiculous if he's to lose his job. You can see the players he's had out in terms of injuries, he deserves time, he's shown that he is a good manager and he will get it right.

"I think it's a bigger game for Tottenham than what it is for Rangers. Yes, Rangers are at home but I don't think they are expected to go and win the game.

"If the Tottenham Hotspur that went to the Etihad turn up, then it's going to be a long evening for Rangers.

"In Europe, Rangers have been good and they'll be looking to frustrate Tottenham, but it's going to be a very, very difficult game for Rangers. You kind of get the feeling that for Rangers, everything's going to have to be spot on and Tottenham need to be a little bit off it - if Rangers are to get anything."

'Perfect timing for visit of Spurs'

Ex-Rangers captain Lee McCulloch speaking to Sky Sports News on Thursday's match:

"Probably for Rangers the timing is perfect.

"The way the team has played, the way they've defended in the past few games, the goals they've scored, the players being brought in to get game time like Danilo and Hamza Igamane - I think it'll be tight.

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"Spurs are under pressure, you saw it when they threw away a two-goal lead [against Chelsea on Sunday]. Defensively they are giving up goals and I think that's the strong point of our team just now, so hopefully it will be a positive result."

On whether Clement's team selection will be impacted by Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic: "With the manager, it might be in his thoughts team selection-wise.

"Sunday is more important, especially with the points total we have in Europe.

"It still doesn't change coming to Ibrox, a full house and the demand you need to get a positive result."

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Rangers vs Tottenham: Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou expects 'intense' Ibrox return in Europa League clash

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Under-pressure Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou returns to Glasgow on Thursday to face his former Old Firm rivals Rangers, who will be desperate to pile more misery on the ex-Celtic boss.

Postecoglou enjoyed two trophy-laden years at Celtic as he tormented Rangers by lifting five out of the six domestic trophies available during his tenure, including a Treble triumph in his second season.

But 18 months on from his Celtic exit, the Australian is finding life a lot tougher at Spurs.

No pressure on Postecoglou at Tottenham

Carra: If Ange doesn't change he won't remain Spurs boss

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Sunday's 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea means it is just one win in their last seven games in all competitions, and the love he enjoyed at Celtic is not being replicated in north London right now after he received abuse from fans in the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth last Thursday.

His old foes Rangers will sense a chance to heap more pain on the 59-year-old, who won only once at Ibrox (D1 L2) while in charge of Celtic.

There is a wider significance too for Postecoglou's Ibrox reunion. Rangers and Tottenham are separated by just goal difference in the Europa League table, with Philippe Clement's side sitting eighth.

A victory for ninth-placed Spurs would not only ease the pressure on Postecoglou but move his side into the top eight, which would avoid a two-legged knockout play-off round in February.

But Rangers will feel they are playing Spurs at a good time following their resurgence in form that has seen them win their last four games, including a 4-1 Europa League win at Nice.

They will also have a fervent Ibrox behind them - and Postecoglou knows an "intense" atmosphere awaits on his Ibrox return...

Ange: We'll feel 'intense' Ibrox atmosphere

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaking exclusively to Sky Sports about his Ibrox return:

"I'm looking forward to it. I had a great time up there in the two years I was there [at Celtic]. Fair to say, Ibrox can be fairly intense and I'm sure we'll feel that.

"But it's a great stadium to play football in. The atmosphere, European nights. Even when I was there, they did awfully well in Europe - the first year I was there they got to the Europa League final.

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"So you know how European nights, irrespective of their league form, they really rise for, so it's a good challenge for us.

"I'm also looking forward to being back in Glasgow and feeling the cold again and hopefully see some friendly faces among the others."

On his time at Celtic: "I loved being part of Celtic as an institution, as a football club. If you've got a bucket list of clubs you want to manage for a period, that's certainly one that would have been in mine.

"I feel pretty blessed to have spent those two years there. Not just for me, my family. I enjoyed my whole time there. I enjoyed Scotland. People were really, really welcoming to me. Even whether they supported Celtic or not, I always knew where their allegiances lied by the way they approached me.

"Everyone really made me feel like it was an experience that I would keep close to me for the rest of my life."

On whether he still follows Celtic: "Absolutely. I'm right on board. Brendan's (Rodgers) done a brilliant job, as I knew he would. He's got great staff there, great players. He's taken the group to another level. They're doing really well in Europe as well, which is brilliant.

"If they're on the TV, I'm watching it and loving the way they're going."

'A must-not-lose match for Ange'

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge:

This Rangers match is not must-win for Postecoglou, but it is certainly a must-not-lose. Rangers fans would love nothing more than to consign the ex-Celtic boss to another defeat - and a loss also means Spurs could face the prospect of two more games in an unwanted play-off round.

Rangers in Europe are a different animal and Postecoglou will know more than anyone the atmosphere that awaits them on Thursday night.

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As it stands, there is no pressure on Postecoglou from those above him at N17. He enjoys a good working relationship with chairman Daniel Levy but many will point out that could change if the crowd gets restless. It could also change if Postecoglou himself gets restless over a challenging summer window, or is hit with another injury crisis.

However, unlike his predecessor Antonio Conte, Postecoglou is expected to battle on with the squad he has, hope key players return and perhaps add a January signing or two.

January is an incredibly tough market but Sky Sports News understands transfer discussions have taken place and will continue to do so. The board also recognise Spurs are in a decent position in Europe, have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at home next Thursday, live on Sky Sports, and are not a million miles away from the European places.

Postecoglou enjoyed a pretty stress-free first few months in his tenure and such a strong start perhaps exaggerated expectations on a side losing one of the best strikers, if not the best, in the world in Harry Kane.

It's now year two - the year Ange says he "always wins a trophy". Perhaps even the quote has been twisted to suggest he's promising one for Spurs in his second season. That's the scrutiny he now finds himself under on top of the daily debate over his supposed stubbornness to adapt and attacking style of play.

As Postecoglou says himself - he's at the club because the previous regime, one way or another, didn't deliver. Some fans will point to the board. Levy is not going to sack himself, so it is either a resurgence under Postecoglou or the supporters face the prospect of yet another rebuild.

Can Rangers shock Spurs?

Sky Sports' Scotland Editor Sahil Jaidka:

Over the past few years at Rangers there have been four different managers, countless transfers and mixed domestic fortunes. However, there has been one constant - Europa League success.

While many fans will dream of the Champions League riches, this is a competition that has brought out the best in the Gers - with the club reaching the last-16 in four successive campaigns. Now they're eyeing an upset of Premier League Tottenham.

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It is a big week for the Ibrox club, with a League Cup final against rivals Celtic to follow on Sunday. However, positive results in both those matches would blow away any scars from a poor start to this season.

At one stage Rangers found themselves trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points after just 10 games in the Premiership. While Celtic continue to pull clear, Rangers are now just two points behind the Dons, with a game in hand.

Three straight league wins, 10 goals scored and none conceded have boosted confidence and eased pressure on Philippe Clement. It's too early to suggest all the issues that blighted the start of this season no longer exist but the Belgian boss seems to have found a more consistent starting XI - albeit Ianis Hagi and Danilo will need to drop out of Thursday after being left out of the European squad - and the fans will get behind the team if a similar results continue.

There was a note of caution from Clement who - when asked about facing Tottenham and Celtic - told Sky Sports: "They are totally different kind of games, maybe we need to say financially out of our league, the two games.

"We're going to compete and it's a really nice challenge for our squad to show themselves in these games and what we can do against those teams."

Whoever the opponent, whatever their budget - Rangers fans expect results at Ibrox. The return of Postecoglou adds extra spice, with a Rangers win heaping more pressure on the ex-Celtic boss while the scrutiny on Clement would ease.

Boyd: Bigger game for Spurs than Gers | 'Sacking Ange would be ridiculous'

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd speaking to Sky Sports News:

"Ange Postecoglou, coming back to Glasgow, will want to put on a show. He obviously wants to beat Rangers because of the form Tottenham have been in, and you get the feeling that pressure's starting to mount on him.

"Tottenham are struggling domestically, but you've seen some of their performances this season and the levels they can reach.

"With all the negativity that's been flying around and the speculation regarding Postecoglou's future - I think it would be absolutely ridiculous if he's to lose his job. You can see the players he's had out in terms of injuries, he deserves time, he's shown that he is a good manager and he will get it right.

"I think it's a bigger game for Tottenham than what it is for Rangers. Yes, Rangers are at home but I don't think they are expected to go and win the game.

"If the Tottenham Hotspur that went to the Etihad turn up, then it's going to be a long evening for Rangers.

"In Europe, Rangers have been good and they'll be looking to frustrate Tottenham, but it's going to be a very, very difficult game for Rangers. You kind of get the feeling that for Rangers, everything's going to have to be spot on and Tottenham need to be a little bit off it - if Rangers are to get anything."

'Perfect timing for visit of Spurs'

Ex-Rangers captain Lee McCulloch speaking to Sky Sports News on Thursday's match:

"Probably for Rangers the timing is perfect.

"The way the team has played, the way they've defended in the past few games, the goals they've scored, the players being brought in to get game time like Danilo and Hamza Igamane - I think it'll be tight.

Scottish Premiership table | Fixtures | Results

Free-to-watch Scottish Premiership highlights

"Spurs are under pressure, you saw it when they threw away a two-goal lead [against Chelsea on Sunday]. Defensively they are giving up goals and I think that's the strong point of our team just now, so hopefully it will be a positive result."

On whether Clement's team selection will be impacted by Sunday's League Cup final against Celtic: "With the manager, it might be in his thoughts team selection-wise.

"Sunday is more important, especially with the points total we have in Europe.

"It still doesn't change coming to Ibrox, a full house and the demand you need to get a positive result."

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