Rangers vs Braga – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Rangers host Portuguese outfit SC Braga at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday in a must-win clash for the Gers as they aim to salvage their flailing UEFA Europa League campaign.

The Scottish giants are yet to earn a single point after four group games and face a resurgent Braga side that sits near the top of the table.

Rangers vs Braga – Match preview and team news

Rangers team news

Manager Danny Röhl faces a mounting injury crisis, with a minimum of seven players ruled out of the European tie. The notable absentees include John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Dujon Sterling, Mikey Moore, Bailey Rice, Kieran Dowell, and Rabbi Matondo, all of whom are out injured.

Despite the dire injury situation, there are glimmers of hope. Reports from the club’s training ground revealed that both Rabbi Matondo and Youssef Chermiti have returned to training after layoffs. However, the former is not expected to be involved in the European tie this week, though their involvement likely hinges on late fitness tests.

Ahead of their league match on Saturday, Röhl said in his pre-match conference that “it’s about solutions,” and he challenged his squad to step up. “This is football, it happens. I know this because I worked for both sides. For the national team, it’s important to have the players. But as a club manager, you always want to protect your players, that’s what it is, football happens. I had some good conversations the last couple of days with some other players. I think it’s now also an opportunity to step up. It’s about solutions and hopefully we have more good solutions”.

Whether Röhl opts for a back three or a conventional back four, expect James Tavernier, Nasser Djiga, and Emmanuel Fernandez to anchor the defence, with Jayden Meghoma likely at left-back.

Braga team news

Braga’s squad is in robust shape with only Jonatas Noro ruled out due to a recent Achilles tendon rupture. The Portuguese side has displayed fine form in Europe and is set to field a strong lineup, barring any late fitness concerns.

Key threats include club captain Ricardo Horta — who has eight goals and four assists this campaign — and forward Fran Navarro. The duo will be supported by the creative Rodrigo Zalazar on the right and Joao Moutinho in midfield.

Form

Rangers: WLLWW

The Gers’ Europa League form has been bleak, with seven straight European defeats dating back to last season. However, under Röhl, there has been some domestic improvement, with four straight wins in the Scottish Premiership moving the club up to fifth in the table with a game in hand. They will be looking to continue their good record against Braga as the last time they met in 2022, Rangers won the match 3-1.

Braga: WLLWW

Braga are in strong form in Europe, having won three of four Europa League group games. Despite a stuttering domestic campaign, their continental performances have been consistently impressive, and they approach this clash after scoring 15 goals in their last five matches across all competitions.

Predicted lineups

Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Meghoma; Diomande, Raskin; Antman, Aasgaard, Gassama; Danilo

Braga: Hornicek; Gomez, Lagerbielke, Arrey-Mbi; Martinez, Gorby, Moutinho, Lelo; Horta, Zalazar; Navarro

How to watch Rangers vs Braga?

Fans from the United Kingdom can watch the match on TNT sports network.

Read – Moments that made the Premier League: Man United snare Cantona from Leeds

See Also – Five takeaways from this week’s Champions League acton

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube