Scottish football resumes with some pulsating Cup ties this weekend. Rangers will kick off the fourth round of the Scottish Cup tomorrow and will take on fellow Premiership side Motherwell. The Gers were in decent form prior to the winter break but failed to stop Celtic’s dominance who recorded a win at the Ibrox against their arch-rivals.
Mark Warburton’s side did pretty well in the first half of the season and the second place was well-deserved. Although many feel they can do much better, judging by the resources Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal, you can’t help but say finishing second is the best they can do.
The Cup is a realistic chance for the Gers to win some silverware this season as the League is pretty much decided already with Celtic running away with it. Warburton’s side were dismantled by RB Leipzig in the mid-season friendly but that won’t affect the team too much. They will be the favourites against Motherwell tomorrow. Mark McGhee’s side struggled for consistency in the first half of the season and they are unlikely to trouble the Gers tomorrow.
Here’s how the hosts are expected to line up for the game.
Predicted Rangers Lineup
The last time we saw the Gers in competitive football, they used a 3 at the back setup and lost to Celtic. We expect a conventional 4 at the back setup this time with Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan starting at the heart of the defence.
James Tavernier will miss out due to a suspension. The marauding full-back has been pretty effective with his forward forays and he will be missed. In his absence, we expect Lee Hodson to start at right back. Captain Lee Wallace is expected to return in the left back role. The reliable Wes Foderingham might have to wait for his first competitive game of the second half as Matt Gilks could get the nod in the Cup game.
Andy Halliday could play as the deepest midfielder in the midfield three and he’ll be supported by the duo of Josh Windass and Jason Holt.
Barrie McKay and Martyn Waghorn are expected to start on the flanks. In Joe Garner’s absence, we expect Kenny Miller to lead the line for the Gers. The wily old head shows no signs of stopping but could be rusty in the game. There could be a few changes in the second half as the team isn’t at its fittest considering they were on a winter break.
