High-flying Rangers are on an eight-game winning streak and have climbed up to second in the Premiership standings. While their run in Europe is already over, Danny Rohl is expected to field a strong lineup against Porto, similar to the ‘dead rubber’ tie against Ludogorets in the previous gameweek.
However, it won’t be a stroll in the park for the Light Blues on Thursday night. A win could see the Portuguese giants escape the Europa League playoffs by securing a ‘top eight’ finish, and the Dragons’ form under Francesco Farioli makes them outright favourites in their own backyard.
A crucial awaits the Glasgow giants over the weekend, as they will travel to Easter Road to clash heads with Hibernian. A setback on Sunday afternoon would be a bigger blow, given the ‘three-horse’ league race with Hearts and Celtic also in the fray after 23 games.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Porto
Defence
Jack Butland has not conceded since the Old Firm derby, and his majestic form between the sticks could frustrate the home side, who are heavily reliant on Samuel Aghehowa high up the pitch.
Injuries to John Souttar and Derek McInnes decimate Rangers in the heart of the backline. Nasser Djiga and Manny Fernandez are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing; also, Jayden Meghoma should operate from the left, with January signing Tuur Rommens ineligible to feature in Europe. Max Aarons might return to the starting XI, replacing James Tavernier on the right. Versatile Dujon Sterling remains sidelined with a muscle strain.
Midfield
Tochi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen made their debuts against Dundee. But they are not part of their Europa League squad, thus leaving Rohl with Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande as the ‘double pivot’ amid Connor Barron’s injury and Joe Rothwell’s potential departure.
Thelo Aasgaard has picked up the pace after a slow start, and the Norwegian should be deployed as an advanced playmaker. Djiedi Gassama found the net against the Dee as a substitute, and Skov Olsen’s ineligibility might earn him a starting status down the wide. Mikey Moore should keep his place over Oliver Antman, and the likes of Findlay Curtis and Danilo are expected to part ways before 2nd February’s deadline.
Attack
Youssef Chermiti missed the Dundee match due to illness. Bojan Miovski is likely to spearhead the attack, as the former Sporting CP youth international must not be rushed with a lot more at stake in Edinburgh.
