Rangers predicted lineup vs Braga - Europa League

Rangers will be up against it at Ibrox
Rangers will be up against it at Ibrox / Octavio Passos/GettyImages
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Rangers face an uphill battle as they look to overturn a one-goal aggregate deficit in their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Braga on Thursday night.

The Scottish champions slipped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Portugal, courtesy of a fine finish from former Barcelona striker Abel Ruiz.

Gio van Bronckhorst will hope his side can draw upon the electric energy of the Ibrox crowd to push them over the line, but it's going to be tough.

Here's the team the Dutchman may opt to deploy...


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Calvin Bassey
Bassey may well start / Octavio Passos/GettyImages

Alan McGregor (GK) - Has made some incredible saves on this Europa League run and will need to be at it again here if Rangers are to salvage the situation.

James Tavernier (RB) - The Englishman has scored four times on this European run so far. His set-pieces - and potentially his penalty-taking ability - could be crucial.

Connor Goldson (CB) - Rumoured to be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer. A Europa League success would be a hell of a way to finish.

Leon Balogun (CB) - Not always first choice but a season-ending injury for Filip Helander means he is a near certainty to start here.

Calvin Bassey (LB) - Should have recovered from a tight hamstring to come back into the starting lineup ahead of Borna Barisic.

2. Midfielders

Ryan Jack
Ryan Jack will need to be on top of his game / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Ryan Jack (CM) - A slightly deeper role to facilitate Aaron Ramsey. Rested at the weekend so will be as fresh as possible for this one.

John Lundstram (CM) - Forced off at the weekend but should be fit enough to start here as a more defensive option alongside Jack.

Aaron Ramsey (AM) - Came off at half-time at the weekend so should be raring to go here. Will need to draw upon all of his vast experience.

3. Forwards

Kemar Roofe
Roofe will continue to lead the line in Morelos' absence / Octavio Passos/GettyImages

Joe Aribo (RW) - Aribo may well be shifted out wide to facilitate Ramsey in midfield. Has the versatility and dynamism to play there and cause a problem.

Kemar Roofe (ST) -
Reached double figures for league goals with a hat-trick against St Mirren at the weekend. Van Bronkhorst will hope he can carry that goalscoring form into this one.

Ryan Kent (LW) -
Rangers will need the winger to be at his dazzling best if they are to get the better of Braga here.