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Braga in focus: Two Rangers starting XIs to send Gers through in Europa League

With Glasgow Rangers back into the swing of things after the winter break, one eye turns to the Europa League last 32 against Braga.

As Steven Gerrard has a deep squad to select from, the Gers have a number of options of how to line-up against the Portuguese side.

In the Ibrox match, the Rangers boss could play his preferred 4-3-3 line-up to attempt scoring as many goals as possible with the home faithful in support.

Team A 4-3-3. McGregor: Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Barisic: Jack, Davis, Kamara: Aribo, Morelos, Kent.

At the away Portuguese game, Gerrard could play a much more cautious line-up to stop Braga from scoring and eliminating them from the competition.

Team B 3-3-3-1. McGregor: Goldson, Katic, Helander: Tavernier, Edmundson, Barisic: Jack, Davis, Kent: Morelos. 

This more defensive Rangers line-up could be employed in any extremely difficult-to-win away game. It has tremendous height, strength and tackling ability. 

Playing with three tall, powerful centre-backs would enable Gerrard’s side to use James Tavernier and Borna Barisic to forage forward at every opportunity to supply the side with extremely dangerous crosses.

George Edmundson would be a vital cog in this line up to help eliminate chances from the opposition developing into goal scoring opportunities.

Edmundson is an accomplished tackler and is a wonderful ball winner, which is a terrific asset for any side, wanting to keep loads of clean sheets.

Deploying him in central midfield could be a masterclass.

Rangers midfielders Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Ryan Kent would always make themselves available to retain possession, and to move the ball about the park quickly.

When Rangers play in most away grounds, they soon find out the home team are far more aggressive.

This is where added height, toughness and tackling ability, coupled with the right attitude, is so important.

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