Braga vs Rangers LIVE: Team news, line ups confirmed, Steven Gerrard in Europa League tie

BRAGA vs RANGERS

Borna Barisic has flown out to Braga with the rest of the Rangers squad ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League clash after shaking off a back injury.

Manager Steven Gerrard is also likely to hand Florian Kamberi his first Gers start in place of banned top-scorer Alfredo Morelos, while Ryan Jack will be available again after missing the first leg – which Rangers won 3-2 – through suspension.

But Jon Flanagan, Matt Polster, Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker have all been left behind in Glasgow while Jermain Defoe (calf) and Filip Helander (foot) are still injured.

• Rangers pulled off an astonishing late comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Ibrox last week

• Excluding qualifiers, Rangers have not won any of their last 15 European away games

• Rangers have lost just one of their last six European matches away against Portuguese opposition

• Braga are the highest scoring team in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League, with 17 goals

Braga XI: Matheus, Sequeira, Paulinho, Horta, Fransergio, Silva, Viana, Esgaio, Palhinga, Trincao, Carmo

Rangers XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Edmundson, Barisic, Jack, Davis, Arfield, Hagi, Kent, Kamberi.

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• Braga vs Rangers LIVE: Team news, line ups confirmed

The starting XI

Steven Gerrard hands Florian Kamberi his first Rangers start in place of the suspended Alfredo Morelos.

Elsewhere Niko Katic is out! The 23-year-old has been dropped with George Edmundson, who’s featured just twice in the Europa League this season starting instead.

Braga XI: Matheus, Sequeira, Paulinho, Horta, Fransergio, Silva, Viana, Esgaio, Palhinga, Trincao, Carmo

Subs: Sa, Tormena, Ruiz, Horta, Novais, Fonte, Galeno

Rangers XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Edmundson, Barisic, Jack, Davis, Arfield, Hagi, Kent, Kamberi.

Subs: Fodderingham, Halliday, Katic, Aribo, Kamara, Ojo, Steward.

Referee: Andreas Ekberg (Sweden)

Ragged at the back

Braga had been in red-hot form after Ruben Amorim took over the team late last year but his unbeaten run finally came to an end at Ibrox.

While they showed their class with two clinical finishes in Glasgow, Gers were given hope during a disappointing first half.

The Portuguese side’s high-pressing defence constantly left themselves vulnerable to balls over the top while they backed off to their peril during the second period as Ianis Hagi inspired the hosts’ stunning comeback.

If they do the same on Wednesday night, Amorim’s record might suffer yet another dent.

Response required…

Gers knew they could afford no more slip-ups in their Premiership battle with Celtic but Sunday’s 2-2 draw with St Johnstone has all but killed off their title dreams.

Manager Steven Gerrard must now pick up his deflated side and hope there are no repeat of the defensive gaffes that cost them dear in Perth, as they did at Tynecastle and Rugby Park in recent weeks.

Braga proved with their two goals in Glasgow that if Rangers back off, they have the threat to take advantage.

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Afternoon…

Hello folks and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Braga vs Rangers from the Braga Municipal Stadium.

I know, I know… Wednesday’s are usually reserved for the Champions League but tonight is an unusual exception. I’ll explain why a little bit later.

Rangers take on Braga in Portugal as they look to book a Europa League last-16 slot having claimed a 3-2 first-leg lead in Ibrox last week.

Will Rangers protect their advantage? Nope. At least that’s what Steven Gerrard has said. He’s promised to go on the attack tonight.

And that may or may not be the best idea against Braga, who are the highest scoring team in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League, with 17 goals.

Team news on the way. Standby…

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• Why is Rangers’ Europa League clash against Braga on Wednesday nigh…

BRAGA vs RANGERS

Borna Barisic has flown out to Braga with the rest of the Rangers squad ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League clash after shaking off a back injury.

Manager Steven Gerrard is also likely to hand Florian Kamberi his first Gers start in place of banned top-scorer Alfredo Morelos, while Ryan Jack will be available again after missing the first leg – which Rangers won 3-2 – through suspension.

But Jon Flanagan, Matt Polster, Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker have all been left behind in Glasgow while Jermain Defoe (calf) and Filip Helander (foot) are still injured.

Braga assistant boss Micael Sequeira has pleaded with locals not to snub Wednesday’s Europa League showdown with Rangers.

The Portuguese outfit hope to see as many as 20,000 fans turn out for their last-32 showdown with Steven Gerrard’s team – including the 5,000 Gers supporters who have made their way from Glasgow.

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