The Four Major Threats Rangers Will Need To Look Out For When They Face Benfica

Rangers could qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League if they beat Benfica at Ibrox later this week. Steven Gerrard’s side go into the match high in confidence after thrashing Aberdeen 4-0 but their opponents are not in such good form.

The Portuguese outfit have suffered defeats in their last two league games and scraped a 1-0 win against lowly USC Paredes at the weekend in the Portuguese Cup with a much-changed side.

Combined with injuries and positive virus tests, Rangers couldn’t be playing their opponents at a better time, but they will still have some quality players on show.

Press the next page as we identify Benfica’s four key threats that the Gers will have to be wary of.

Everton

The Brazilian international joined from Gremio for €20m in the summer, following previous links to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. He started out life in Portugal like a house on fire with one goal and five assists in his first seven games but he hasn’t made any impact in his last four matches in all competitions.

In fact, Everton was hauled off at half-time by manager Jorge Jesus in his last two league games as Benfica suffered shock defeats to Boavista and Sporting Braga.

Haris Seferovic

Although the spotlight has been on new summer signing Darwin Nunez, who is attracting interest from Manchester City, among other teams, it is Seferovic who has been the one banging in the goals.

Despite the Swiss international only starting one league fixture for Benfica this season, he has bagged six goals. He did play against Rangers in the first game at the Estadio da Luz but he was substituted on the hour mark.

Rafa Silva

Rangers fans won’t need too much reminding about the Portuguese winger’s talents after he scored one and provided an assist for Benfica in the 3-3 draw earlier this month.

Since then, though, it must be pointed out that Silva has not scored, with one solitary assist coming in the 3-2 defeat to Braga in Benfica’s last league game. He will still be a threat coming off the right flank at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Pizzi

The 31-year-old scored 30 goals and contributed 19 assists in all competitions for Benfica last campaign but his form has taken a nosedive with just one goal in the league this season.

Pizzi was the man who was substituted after the Portuguese side went down to ten men in the first game against the Gers, but we’ll likely see a lot more of him at Ibrox.

You may also be interested in reading:

Three Stats That Show How Remarkable Rangers Start To The Season Has Been
5 Things Gerrard Needs To Get Right For Rangers To Beat Celtic This Weekend
Four Facts About Bongani Zungu As Rangers Finally Close In On A Move For The South African International
The Five Major Threats Rangers Will Need To Look Out For When They Face Galatasaray
Four Things You Need To Know About Willem II Ahead Of Rangers’ Europa League Clash
Four Reasons Why Rangers Should Take A Risk And Make A Move For Cut Price Southampton Ace
Who Are Lincoln Red Imps? Four Facts About Rangers’ Europa League Opponents

Or

You can read more news about Rangers on our blog here