View: Predicted Rangers XI v Braga
Rangers are likely to be without John Lundstram for the return game against Braga in midweek, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst could wield the axe for the clash.
The Bears are 1-0 down from the first leg last week, but will be hopeful of turning the tie on it’s head at Ibrox this week following their 4-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday.
But there are some team news decisions to make for the manager ahead of the game, with injuries and form to take into account.
There are a few players who are guaranteed their spot in the team when fit, and one of them is goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
The 40-year-old has been in brilliant form in recent weeks after a shaky start to the year, but his position is not under threat and he will start the game.
Another whose position is secure is captain and right-back James Tavernier. An excellent option when going forward but also solid defensively, he will continue in defence too.
Connor Goldson will keep his place as the club’s best centre-back, and he’s likely to be partnered by Leon Balogun once again after the Nigerian was rested on Sunday.
Calvin Bassey has taken the left-back spot away from Borna Barisic in recent months and despite the Croatian having a good game on Sunday, Bassey should return to the team.
In midfield it could be all change in the holding roles. John Lundstram started as the lone defensive option against St Mirren but was forced off in the first half with a groin problem.
There is hope he could be fit, but he won’t be 100 percent if he is able to play and so should be left on the bench to allow Ryan Jack to come back into the side.
Glenn Kamara should come back into the side in place of Fashion Sakala to add a bit more defensive strength to the side, with Joe Aribo getting the nod on the right hand side again.
Aaron Ramsey was excellent once again before being rested for the second half, which suggests he will get the nod once again but potentially in a more advanced number ten role.
Ryan Kent is another of those players guaranteed to start games of this magnitude when fit and available so his place on the left is assured, while Kemar Roofe will expect to start after notching a hat-trick.
Predicted Rangers XI v Braga: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Jack, Kamara; Aribo, Ramsey, Kent; Roofe.
In other Rangers news, Report shares update on future of three Rangers defenders, two exits expected