Rangers will travel to Estádio do Dragão to take on Portuguese heavyweights Porto in the third round of fixtures in the Europa League. All the four teams in Group G are sitting on three points, and everyone is currently in with a chance to move to the knockouts stage.
Rangers will be frustrated after playing out a draw at the weekend against Hearts, and their reign on the top of the table didn’t last long as Celtic went on top on goal difference. The Gers last met Porto in the Champions League in 2o05, and they won the home game in Glasgow and drew away. Porto are on a good run of form currently as they have won their last five league games. The home team will likely go in as the favourite, but Rangers have it in them to pull off a surprise on the night.
Team News: Ryan Jack has been a big miss in midfield for Gerrard, and he is unlikely to feature again. Summer signing Jordan Jones is also going to be unavailable. Jon Flanagan could be closing in on a return after his hernia operation, but it could be touch and go.
Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs Porto
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
The experienced Allan McGregor is a nailed-on starter in goal for the Gers. Connor Goldson is expected to start at the back in defence. The other spot could go to Filip Helander as Gerrard has preferred him in the European games.
Borna Barisic is expected to keep his spot at left-back after enjoying an excellent last month at the club. Captain James Tavernier has come under a lot of fire of late for his performances. He will look to make amends after his mistake cost Rangers the tie against Young Boys. The Englishman should feature from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Steven Davis is expected to play in the deepest role in midfield. He will have a significant role to play in this tie defensively as Rangers might not enjoy most of the possession. Joe Aribo should be the other pick in the middle. Scott Arfield has played in the front three often this season, but we think that his tenacity will be required in midfield in this tie.
Attack
Ryan Kent will have a crucial role to play on the counter, given his pace, and he should start on the left. Sheyi Ojo is expected to occupy the right-wing spot. Alfredo Morelos brings an extra edge to Rangers, and he should be preferred to lead the line over Jermain Defoe.
