Rangers managed to earn a respectable draw against last season’s Champions League quarter-finalist Porto in their away fixture at the Dragao Stadium in the Europa League. Next, they will host the Portuguese heavyweights at Ibrox looking to go one step further this time around. Rangers and Porto are level on points at the moment in Group G, but the Bears are better off because of their superior goal difference.
A win in this game could put Rangers in a strong position to make it to the knock out stages. However, all four teams stand a chance currently to go through, and we might have a really tight finish in Group G. The Bears should be high on confidence after making it through to finals of the League Cup after a comfortable win over Hearts. Porto are also coming on the back of a win against Aves in their league game.
Team News: Jordan Jones is the only injury concern for the manager. Gerrard doesn’t have any significant injury issues apart from that.
Rangers predicted lineup Vs Porto
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor was a doubt to play against Hearts at the weekend. However, he made it to the starting eleven, so he should be ready to start against Porto as well. Filip Helander put in a terrific performance against Porto away as he marshalled Moussa Marega brilliantly. The big Swede should begin again, and Gerrard will hope for a similar performance from him. Connor Goldson should be his other centre back partner.
Borna Barisic from the left provided a brilliant assist in the previous clash against Porto, and he will look to influence the game again from the left-back position. James Tavernier has blown hot and cold of late, but Rangers will need him to be at his best in this game. The captain should start at right-back.
Midfield
Steven Davis will likely start in the middle of the midfield three. Ryan Jack is also a nailed-on starter in midfield. The only debate is likely to be for the third midfield spot. Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara and even Scott Arfield are the contenders for that role. We think that Gerrard might prefer Kamara as he is better defensively.
Attack
Ryan Kent should be a nailed-on starter on the left flank. Scott Arfield might tuck in on the right side instead of Sheyi Ojo. Arfield’s experience and work rate will be needed in a game like this so he could be preferred over a more natural winger. Alfredo Morelos is currently in the form of his life, and he should be a no brainer to start upfront.
