Sky Sports pundit, Charlie Nicholas, has predicted that Rangers Europa League adventure will come to an end when the Ibrox club travels to face Braga on Wednesday night.
Speaking on Sky Sports and reported by The Daily Record, Nicholas gives his reasons for backing against the side that go into the second leg with a 3-2 lead.
So what has Nicholas said?
When asked for his prediction for the game in the Estadio AXA, Nicholas said:
“Rangers know the title is gone. Steven Gerrard has been unhappy with the defence and questioned it quite a bit. It has been poor and evident for all to see.”
“Gerrard has introduced the fighting spirit to this Rangers team.”
“They have a really good away record in the Europa League, but I fear Braga are too good for them. It has been amazing for them to get here but I think they will go out on away goals.”
“You cannot trust the defence at the minute, while Alfredo Morelos is suspended, so this spells trouble.”
So is Nicholas correct?
There is no doubt that Braga looked impressive in possession, however, they were just as bad defensively, Alfredo Morelos on another night could easily have walked away with the match ball if he had his shooting boots on.
This is the point that Greg Stewart made on the official Rangers podcast, despite not playing well they still managed to create chances and out score their in-form opposition, attack is the best form of defence and all that.
In Nicholas’ own words “Rangers know the title is gone”, this could easily be used as motivation to raise their recent performance levels and give the fans something to cheer about.
Will Rangers progress past Braga in the Europa League?
Yes
No
The reason for Gerrard’s recent defensive woes can primarily be placed at the door of individual errors rather than a collective or strategic issue, he may not have Filip Helander back fit yet but will be hopeful that Borna Barisic can return to bolster the back-line
Braga looked vulnerable once Rangers adjusted their shape and style of press then attacked them with pace and intensity, if they can avoid the recent mistakes that have been so costly, there is no reason why they can’t pull off the great escape and secure one of the most incredible European results in the club’s history.