Despite scripting a resurgence in the league under Danny Rohl, Rangers remain rock-bottom in the Europa League with no points after four outings. A place in the knockout is a distant dream, yet a victory against Braga on Thursday night might keep their European hopes alive for the time being.
Although the Light Blues have a home advantage this midweek, Braga, with three wins in four games, are firm favourites to secure all three points on the road. They defeated Celtic in their own backyard earlier this season, and a trip across the town should bring another victory, unless the hosts step up their game and deliver a spirited performance at Ibrox.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Braga
Defence
Rohl has not only made some adjustments in terms of tactics and formation, but also restored several names who were outcasts under Russell Martin. But he has relied on Jack Butland, who is exhibiting his mastery week in and week out between the sticks.
Injuries to John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and the ineligibility of Dujon Sterling and Clinton Nsiala decimate Rangers in the defensive third. Emmanuel Fernandez waited patiently for opportunities, and the former Peterborough United centre-half made it count over the weekend when he netted against Livingston early into the contest. He must keep his place and partner with Nasser Djiga in the heart of the backline. James Tavernier has often featured on the right of Rohl’s ‘back three’, but the veteran Englishman is expected to operate from his preferred right-back role. Jayden Meghoma continues to be the first-choice left fullback, with Max Aarons likely to slot in as a second-half substitute.
Midfield
Nicolas Raskin, being the most valuable asset of the current Rangers squad, must drive the show as a deep-lying playmaker. Mohamed Diomande, who netted a late winner against Livi, should form a ‘double pivot’ alongside the Belgium international. However, the flexibility of the midfield pair would allow Rohl to tweak his set-up. Bailey Rice is ruled out with a muscle injury, but the German chief could bring in Joe Rothwell and Connor Barron to provide additional defensive cover from the centre of the pitch.
Thelo Aasgaard is in flying form for Norway, but has failed to live up to the expectations in Rangers colours. Yet he should feature as a ‘number 10’, with no other specialist available in that role. Lyall Cameron could be an alternative, but the Scotsman is more of a ‘number 8’ or box-to-box option. Mikey Moore’s injury should see Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama retain their starting spots from the flanks.
Attack
Danilo played the whole game against Livi, but could make way for Bojan Miovski against the Portuguese heavyweights. Youssef Chermiti, struggling with a lack of form and fitness, might return among the substitutes if declared fit before the fixture.
ADD AS PREFERRED SOURCE ON GOOGLE
