Rangers return to European action this week as they take on a familiar foe in SC Braga.
Despite usually performing well in this competition, the club’s Europa League campaign has been disastrous so far — bottom of the group with zero points from four matches. Danny Rohl has overseen two European games, against Brann and Roma, losing both without scoring. Thursday’s match at Ibrox, however, offers the Rangers manager a chance to finally turn things around against an opponent they know well.
Braga arrive in Glasgow in strong form, winning three of their four Europa League fixtures and currently sitting fifth in the League Phase standings. This will be their second trip to the city this season, having already beaten Celtic 2–0 at Parkhead on matchday two. Still, Rangers have enjoyed the better recent record in head-to-head meetings, eliminating Braga from the tournament in both 2020 and 2022.
Rohl was forced into defensive changes against Livingston, choosing Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez due to injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius. Mikey Moore remains out, and Youssef Chermiti is a doubt as he faces several of his Portugal under-21 colleagues. There is some good news, though: Dujon Sterling has returned from a long achilles layoff, featuring for the under-19s in their 4–2 loss to St Mirren. He has replaced the injured Cornelius in the Europa League squad and is available for the next four matches.
With all of that considered, here is the predicted Rangers lineup for their must-win clash with Braga:
James Tavernier
His misplaced pass led to Butland being called into action at the weekend. Concentration lapses have crept back into his game, and Rohl will be hoping his captain delivers his best form on Thursday.
Emmanuel Fernandez
Struggled badly earlier in the season against St Mirren, but showed his aerial threat with a well-taken header versus Livingston.
Nasser Djiga
The unfamiliar pairing with Fernandez may concern supporters, but at least the duo provide pace — something badly needed against Braga’s constant pressure.
Jayden Meghoma
A steady performer at the back and now a trusted starter under Rohl.
Nico Raskin
A huge night awaits him. Braga’s midfield duo of João Moutinho and Ricardo Horta are extremely skilled, and Raskin will need to be sharp throughout.
Mohamed Diomande
Growing in confidence again. Scored against Livingston but now faces a much tougher test.
Thelo Aasgaard
Still looking to redeem himself after his semi-final red card. A big performance here would go a long way with the Ibrox crowd.
Oliver Antman
Hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run of starts, but with Moore sidelined, this is his opportunity to stake a claim.
Djeidi Gassama
The spark, the danger man. If Rangers are to secure their first Europa League win, the French winger will need to recapture the explosive form he showed in Champions League qualifying.
Bojan Miovski
Although Danilo is unfortunate to miss out, Miovski gets the nod. He must start scoring more regularly. The service hasn’t helped him, but proven strikers are expected to produce — and he’s finding goals hard to come by.
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