John Lundstram and Ryan Jack to start amid three changes – Predicted Rangers XI v Braga
John Lundstram is predicted to be back in the Rangers starting XI against Braga after going off injured against St Mirren, alongside Ryan Jack who sat out.
Gers trail by a goal after losing 1-0 in Portugal and will need to raise their game at Ibrox tomorrow (14 April) to continue the European adventure that has been the highlight of their season.
The 4-0 victory in Paisley at the weekend came at a cost, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst today announced that Filip Helander will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The Swede was withdrawn in first half stoppage time with the problem, while Lundstram had to be taken off midway through the opening period.
But the manager expects the former Sheffield United midfielder to be available for the crucial European tie as he is back in training already, and also confirmed that Jack and Calvin Bassey are available after the pair were both absent from the squad for the SPFL victory.
For every Europa League knockout tie prior to the loss away to Carlos Carvalhal’s men last week van Bronckhorst has opted for the pairing of Lundstram and Jack to anchor his midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation, so he will return to that tried and trusted formula after today’s news.
Bassey and Leon Balogun will return at the back in place of the injured Helander, and Borna Barisic.
Leon Goldson, captain James Tavernier, and goalkeeper Allan McGregor practically pick themselves.
Kemar Roofe cemented his place in attack after scoring a lovely hat-trick against St Mirren in the absence of Alfredo Morelos.
Ryan Kent would play either way, but with Gers forced to chase the game, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Aribo will start alongside him.
The Welsh star was withdrawn at the half on Sunday to save him for this game, as he has finally established himself in the team.
And the Nigerian scored a wonder-goal fourth to remind his manager what he is capable of.
Fashion Sakala will drop to the bench to likely be used as an impact sub late on, while Glen Kamara is the one to miss out with the boss’ favoured pairing of Lundstram and Jack ready.
In other Rangers news, the boss has been warned of a “major setback” by a former Ibrox hero.