FC Porto vs Rangers – Match Preview and Team Updates

Rangers will play against FC Porto on Thursday night in the last group stage match of the Europa League.

Porto is currently in ninth place with 14 points, just outside the crucial top-eight cutoff. They are working to secure a spot in the top eight and avoid the playoff knockout round. Rangers have already been eliminated from contention, finishing with only four points from their seven games.

FC Porto vs Rangers – Match Overview and Team Updates

• Date: Thursday, January 29.
• Kick-off: 8pm BST.
• Venue: Estadio Do Dragao, Porto.

FC Porto Team Updates

The hosts face an injury concern with Diogo Costa, who is ill and did not participate in the final training session. His availability for Thursday’s game is uncertain, which could impact Porto’s plans.

Should Costa not recover, Claudia Ramos will take his place. Luuk de Jong and Nehuén Pérez are also sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, Thiago Silva, a recent addition to the team, cannot play in the Europa League because he was not registered before the deadline.

Despite these challenges, head coach Francesco Farioli stated that the team is prepared, noting, “The spirit is there, but we can still improve.” He praised the players’ mentality after Porto won 3-0 against Gil Vicente on January 26, 2026, highlighting their ability to create chances.

Rangers Team Updates

Rangers will miss Connor Barron, Bailey Rice, and Derek Cornelius due to injuries. John Souttar has not traveled to Portugal due to a slight injury. Dujon Sterling is recovering from a muscle injury and will train on Thursday but is also not making the trip.

Striker Danilo is absent for personal reasons as his partner is expecting. New signings Andreas Skov Olsen, Tochi Chukwuani, and Tuur Rommens will not be available as they are not registered in the Europa League squad.

Head coach Danny Rohl emphasized the need for Rangers to stay focused, stating: “We need to be organised.” He mentioned that although rotating players is a possibility, the squad is eager to compete against Porto.

Form

FC Porto

FC Porto has been in strong form, winning 10 of their last 11 matches and drawing one. They have an excellent defensive record in the Primeira Liga, having conceded only four goals in 19 games this season.

In the Europa League, they have won all three home matches without conceding, showcasing a perfect home record. Their last match was a 3-0 victory over Gil Vicente on January 26, with Samuel Aghehowa scoring from the penalty spot.

Rangers

Rangers have found their stride, winning their last eight matches across all competitions. This success has lifted them to second in the Scottish Premiership, trailing leaders Hearts by four points. They defeated Dundee 3-0 on January 26.

However, their performance in Europe has been disappointing, as they have already confirmed elimination. Rangers have lost all three of their away matches in the Europa League this season, raising concerns as they head to Portugal.

Predicted Lineups

FC Porto: Costa; Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Fernandes; Froholdt, Rosario, Veiga; Pepe, Aghehowa, Sainz

Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Meghoma; Raskin, Diomande; Gassama, Aasgaard, Moore; Miovski

How to Watch FC Porto vs Rangers?

TNT Sports 5 will broadcast the match live for viewers in the United Kingdom.

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