Steven Gerrard has made a big call in defence for tonight’s Europa League clash with Braga after dropping Niko Katic to the bench and George Edmundson taking his place.
🆕 Tonight’s #RangersFC team to face @SCBragaOficial in the @EuropaLeague. pic.twitter.com/ZFfivlHN0e
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 26, 2020
Katic had his worst game in a Rangers shirt at the weekend against St Johnstone when he was culpable for both of the Perth side’s goals, Sky Sports pundit, Kris Boyd, going as far as to say it was the worst 90 minutes he has seen from a centre-half in a Light Blue shirt.
Gerrard was given a boost earlier in the week with the news that Borna Barisic would be available for selection and the Croatian returns to the starting line-up to give some much needed experience to the back-line.
The only other debate would be who would line-up in midfield, Glen Kamara played himself out of contention after a horror 50 minutes against Braga in the first leg, Scott Arfield’s form enough to keep his place in the side along with the experience of Steven Davis and Ryan Jack – as staunch a midfield as you can get.
Florian Kamberi is the only other notable inclusion making his first start due to Alfredo Morelos’ suspension with Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent in support as they look to get the away goals that will see them through to the last 16.
Rangers fans will be excited to see the on-loan Hibs player from the start after a series of impressive cameos including what should have been a match winning performance against St Johnstone but for the calamitous Katic.
Will Rangers progress past Braga in the Europa League?
Yes
No
The Europa League gives Gerrard’s men the chance to forget about domestic football for one night and to kick-start their season with the opportunity to face one of the continent’s big guns in the next round a positive result away.