Rangers will host Portuguese outfit Braga in the first leg of the knockout tie in the Europa League this week. The Scottish giants have faltered since the winter break as they haven’t looked at their best. However, they are coming in this game on the back of a crucial 1-0 win against Livingston.
Braga, on the other hand, are undefeated in their last ten competitive games and they haven’t lost a game since the winter break. The Portuguese outfit didn’t lose a single match in group K which consisted of teams like Wolves, Slovan Bratislava and Besiktas. Hence, many might see Braga as the favourite for this round given their form. However, Braga are a distant third in the Portuguese division right now behind Porto and Benfica. Rangers drew with Porto away and won at home 2-0 in the group phase. So Gerrard and his men would be confident that they have the quality to go past another Portuguese outfit.
Team News: Jermain Defoe and Filip Helander are going to miss out due to injury. The big concern for Gerrard is Borna Barisic’s hip injury. The latest report from the Scottish Sun states that it could be touch and go with him and Rangers will give him until the last moment to prove his fitness. Ryan Jack is suspended for this encounter as he received a red card in the previous group game against Young Boys.
4-3-3 Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs S.C. Braga
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor will continue in between the sticks for Rangers. We are expecting Borna Barisic to be fit in time for this encounter, so we are going in with him at left-back. If he misses out then, Andy Halliday will get the nod to start in his position. Connor Goldson is expected to start at centre back. Nikola Katic is likely to continue in defence alongside him. Given his vast inexperience, George Edmundson might not be trusted to start in this big game. James Tavernier will be in his usual right-back position.
Midfield
Steven Davis will feature in the deeper role in midfield with Jack being suspended. Scott Arfield has been the most in-form player for Rangers since the break, and he will start in midfield. The other midfield spot could go to January signing Ianis Hagi.
Attack
Ryan Kent has flattered to deceive for quite some time now, and Gerrard will hope for a big performance from him. He should start on the left-wing. Joe Aribo will likely occupy the position on the right flank. Alfredo Morelos is a yellow card away from missing the next game, so he needs to be on his best behaviour. The Colombian will lead the line.
