Rangers FC take on Braga in the Europa League quarter-finals this week but they will go into this game at the back of a 2-1 loss to Celtic in the Old Firm Derby.
With that loss on Sunday, Rangers have more or less wiped out their chances of winning the Premiership this season meaning they will have to put all of their focus and energy on moving into the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The Gers have picked up a few very big wins in Europe this season but they will have their hands full on Thursday, more so since this is an away match. Rangers FC have beaten Braga in their previous two meetings but Carlos Carvalhal’s side will be buoyant after beating Benfica 3-2 at the Estadio Municipal de Braga this past weekend.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has a few injury concerns to deal with but the manager should be able to name a strong-enough side for Thursday’s encounter. He will be hoping his side are not blown away in the 1st leg itself so that they have something to fight for at Ibrox.
Rangers FC team news vs Braga:
The manager is not going to make too many changes to his starting line up which faced Celtic on Sunday meaning the backline will remain the same.
Lundstram and Ryan Jack paired up in central midfield against Celtic but there’s a chance the former could make way for Glen Kamara.
John Lundstram did not have the best of outings in the Old Firm Derby so if he is dropped, not too many eyebrows will be raised.
Aaron Ramsey’s first goal for Rangers went in vain as Rangers FC ended up losing the match 2-1 but the Welsh international has done enough to secure a place in the starting XI on Thursday.
Aaron Ramsey scores 1️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ seconds into his Old Firm derby debut
First Rangers player to score on his 1st League Old Firm appearance since Joe Garner in Sept 2016 Skysports. pic.twitter.com/a9h3xDvkSX
— Sir Cassidy (The Sports Mwalimu) (@cassidy_sports) April 3, 2022
On Sunday, Ramsey played as the No 10 with Joe Aribo operating on the right-wing and against Braga we could see this same formation.
Alfredo Morelos picked up an injury while on international duty and now Rangers FC have confirmed that the forward has undergone surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.
The statement read: “Following an injury sustained whilst on international duty with Colombia, Alfredo Morelos has undergone surgery to his thigh.
“Our medical team are pleased with the outcome of the operation and his rehabilitation programme is underway. He will return to training with the First Team squad during pre-season. We wish him well during his rehabilitation.”
The absence of the Colombian means Kemar Roofe will be able to hold onto his place.
Rangers FC predicted line up vs Braga:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Glen Kamara/Lundstram, Ryan Jack; Kent, Aribo, Aaron Ramsey; Roofe.
