Rangers manager Steven Gerrard
Rangers set up a final showdown with Celtic in the final of the Scottish League Cup with a 3-0 hammering of Hearts in the semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Filip Helander and a brace from Alfredo Morelos.
Steven Gerrard’s side are now set to turn their attention back to the UEFA Europa League, where they will play host to FC Porto on Matchday 4, having rescued a crucial point away from home against the Portuguese giants in their previous encounter.
The Gers are currently placed second in Group G, ahead of Porto on goal difference, and Thursday’s clash at Ibrox could go a long way towards deciding the fate of their qualification to the knockout rounds, as the Scottish giants to look to continue their six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Allan McGregor returned to the eleven against Hearts on Sunday and he is expected to feature between the sticks against Porto on Matchday 4.
Ryan Kent and Brandon Barker also shrugged off minor problems to return the first-team fold, while Jordan Jones is still a doubt due to a shoulder problem and Jon Flanagan is ruled out with a hernia issue.
The veteran hardly had anything to do against Hearts in the League Cup semi-final but Rangers will be hoping for a repeat of his goalkeeping heroics against Porto on Matchday 3.
The captain showed strong signs of rediscovering his best form against Hearts and he would have to be at the top of his game on Thursday.
The Swede put up a monumental display against Porto away from home in Rangers’ previous Europa League game and the fans will be expecting something similar from him.
The former Brighton man has looked shaky at times in recent weeks but he has been a regular fixture at the back and should be amongst the starters on Thursday once again.
The Croatian set up Morelos’ goal with a fantastic early cross on Matchday 3 and he is currently high on confidence after a string of impressive all-round displays.
The ex-Aberdeen star has been in excellent form in recent weeks and Rangers will need him to put in a solid shift in the middle of the park once again to thwart Porto.
The veteran has really turned the clock back with his impressive run of form this season and there is no way he is going to be benched for this one.
Glen Kamara had a quiet game against Hearts and it won’t be a surprise to see the Nigerian back in the playing eleven on Thursday against Porto.
The winger played 65 minutes of the League Cup semi-final but that was enough for him to run riot and Rangers will need him to be in the eleven for the Europa League tie.
The former Man City man didn’t come off the bench on Sunday but he could be drafted into the eleven to face Porto in place of Sheyi Ojo, who has lacked the end product.
The Colombian has been in scintillating goalscoring form for the Gers in all competitions and Gerrard will be hoping for him to fire on all cylinders once again.
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