Rangers are set to welcome Braga to Ibrox this evening for the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.
Alfredo Morelos is one of a multitude of players who have been struggling for for since the club returned from the winter break in Dubai, but he has been tipped to thrive on the European stage tonight.
What’s the word?
Steven Gerrard’s side are well in need of a morale-boosting victory to restore the feel-good factor which characterised the club after the Old Firm victory prior to the turn of the year.
The form of Morelos, who has only found the back of the net once in 2020, could well determine their success against the Portuguese visitors, and former Celtic player Charlie Nicholas is backing him to put on a big display under the European spotlight.
Here’s what he had to say as he tipped the Gers to clinch a 2-1 home win, per Sky Sports.
“Alfredo Morelos has been quiet since coming back, not only in terms of goals but in relation to incidents and cards too. These are the types of games which Morelos will thrive in.
“They beat Porto and have beaten better teams than this, so I expect them to go and win this. It will be a tense affair but a powerful and aggressive performance will ensure Rangers pick up the win.”
Time to step up
The Colombian attacker is often the club’s main source of inspiration and flair, yet he has looked disinterested and well off the boil in 2020.
He was unjustly deprived of what appeared to be a legitimate goal against Kilmarnock earlier this month, but that was ultimately chalked off and he remains without a goal or an assist in his last six SPFL appearances.
However, within the confines of a different competition and with the potential to write his name into the headlines, the stage is set for Morelos to bounce back with a bang this evening.
With a record of 14 goals in 14 Europa League appearances so far this season, it would be no surprise to see the prolific 23-year-old breathe new life into Rangers’ stuttering campaign.
In other Rangers news, Steven Gerrard finds himself in a catch-22 situation ahead of Braga’s visit…
