RANGERS will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they welcome Braga to Ibrox for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night.
Abel Ruiz's clinical first-half strike has provided the Portuguese side with a slender advantage, with a semi-final against either Atalanta or RB Leipzig awaiting the victor of this two-legged tie.
Having already claimed the scalp of Borussia Dortmund before putting Red Star Belgrade to the sword in the previous round, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side certainly won’t be fazed by the task in hand.
After suffering a damaging 2-1 Old Firm defeat ahead of last week's first leg loss at the Municipal Stadium, the Light Blues found the strength to get back on track with a 4-0 stroll to success at St Mirren on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Braga also made another visit to the winners’ enclosure as they fought hard to get the better of Vizela away from home on Sunday.
After eliminating Monaco in the last round, Carlos Carvalhal and Co will now fancy their chances of further progression and to fully extinguish Rangers' Europa League dream in the process.
Outright Betting
Rangers, who defeated Braga at Ibrox two seasons ago, head into this crunch clash as 15/16 (SBK) favourites to win inside 90 minutes,
Despite winning three of their last four Europa League matches, Braga arrive in Glasgow as 3/1 (SBK) outsiders while an all-square affair pays out at a best 5/2 (SBK).
Betting Angles
Rangers are worthy favourites here but they are unlikely to have things all their own way so I'll head to William Hill's Build Your Odds feature and combine over zero Braga goals and Braga with a + 2 start on the handicap at 8/11 (William Hill).
Whilst the Teddy Bears have displayed a continued ability to punch well above their weight in the Europa League in recent seasons, they have posted just one clean sheet across their last six outings in Europe's secondary club competition.
What's more, Rangers' congested schedule coupled with signs of wear and tear appears to be taking its toll on their squad ahead of this make-or-break match-up.
The Ibrox side area already without injured pair Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi, not to mention the Scottish champions are sweating over John Lundstram's fitness ahead of Thursday's make-or-break second leg showdown.
Braga, on the other hand, will arrive in Govan in high spirits having won each of their last four matches and they certainly have the tools to trouble a Rangers rearguard that has not exactly been reliable this season.
With that in mind, coupled with the fact that the same bet has banked in 10 0f Braga's 11 Europa League matches this season so far, siding with the above-mentioned Bet Builder holds obvious appeal at 8/11 (William Hill).
Elsewhere, I'll also head to the anytime goalscorer and take the 4/1 on offer with PaddyPower for the aforementioned Abel Ruiz to grab a goal in Glasgow.
The Spanish striker has scored in each of his last three Europa League appearances and he represents a spot of value to extend that sequence on Thursday night.
This UEFA Europa League match between Rangers and Braga will be played on Apr 14, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Braga prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
