SK Brann vs Rangers preview: Team news, line-ups, score prediction
Rangers travel to Norway to take on SK Brann in their third Europa League phase match on Thursday.
Danny Rohl will take charge of his first Rangers match, having been appointed on Monday.
Kevin Muscat and Steven Gerrard were backed for the Rangers job, and after two long weeks, Rohl was finally chosen as Russell Martin’s successor.
They take on a Brann side who sit third in the Norwegian division, and have won one out of their two Europa League matches so far this season.
Ahead of Thursday’s clash, Ibrox News has provided you with everything you need to know.
Form guide
SK Brann: L, W, W, L, W
Rangers: L, W, L, D, D
Team news
Rangers lost 2-1 to Sturm Graz in their last Europa League outing, yet they’ll be hoping for a much better performance under new management.
Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo remain out due to their long-term injuries, whilst Mohamed Diomande could return to feature.
Having missed the Dundee United match, Diomande has had time to build his fitness, with Connor Barron and Nico Raskin other options in midfield.
Youssef Chermiti could also resume his role of starting in the Europa League, with the 21-year-old striker still looking for his first goal for Rangers.
Niklas Castro, Niklas Jensen Wassberg, Jonas Torsvik, Felix Horn Myhre, Sakarias Opsahl, and Saevar Atli Magnusson are all unavailable for Brann.
- Read more: The two stars who played for both Rangers and Brann – Big-money signing and Scotland international
Predicted lineups
SK Brann: Dyngeland; Roeve, Knudsen, Helland, Soltvedt; Kornvig, Sorensen, Gudmundsson, Holm; Mathisen, Finne
Rangers: Butland; Aarons, Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Diomande, Raskin: Tavernier, Gassama, Antman; Chermiti
Prediction: Brann 1-2 Rangers
Whilst it is not entirely sure how Rohl will set the team up, what can be expected is a direct, fast-paced style of play.
Rohl was loved at Sheffield Wednesday, and a response should be expected following Sunday’s disappointing draw against Dundee United.
Djeidi Gassama could play a key part in the pitch, potentially playing more centrally under a manager he knows very well.
| Stat | Djeidi Gassama |
| Appearances | 84 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 4 |
As for Brann, the hosts have impressed in Europe, narrowly losing 2-1 to Lille before recording an important 1-0 victory at home to FC Utrecht.
Brann are the favourites to beat Rangers, yet due to the circumstances surrounding the game, Bears fans should be slightly confident of picking up all three points.
With their domestic season coming to a close, and a lengthy list of players unavailable, Brann aren’t at the peak of their powers, and it could be the perfect opportunity for Rohl to get a first win under his belt.
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