Although underwhelming, Rangers succeeded to secure a 2-1 win against ten-man Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium. The runaway Premiership leaders are now gearing up for yet another away outing, this time versus Motherwell at Fir Park. The Steelmen, fighting an unforeseen relegation battle, settled for a 1-1 draw against St. Mirren last weekend under new manager Graham Alexander. They are desperate to script a revival after the dismal inception and Steven Gerrard, thus, might encounter a sterner test than predicted on Sunday lunchtime.
Rangers have a few fitness concerns in their ranks. Kemar Roofe is still nursing a muscle strain following his half-time exit against Celtic earlier this month. An ankle ligament injury against Hibs will keep Scott Arfield sidelined for a few more weeks. Ryan Jack is recovering well from a setback, however, the Motherwell visit would come too soon for the Bears’ midfield star. It is still too early to put a date on Nikola Katic’s return who is likely to miss the campaign after rupturing his ACL.
4-3-3 Rangers Predicted Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
Allan McGregor will be 39 by the end of January. But the veteran Scotsman is irreplaceable for his majestic form and summer signing Jon McLaughlin must remain his understudy for the time being unless there is any dramatic turn of events.
Skipper James Tavernier was not at his best against the Dons and should not go for goals persistently leaving a lot of space behind. Borna Barisic, too, needs to balance his game from the left-back slot and the preferred central defensive pairing of Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun must not be altered.
Midfield
Gerrard brought in Bongani Zungu in the decisive minutes of the Aberdeen clash. But the Bafana Bafana international might still not make it to the starting XI ahead of experienced Steven Davis whose presence deep down the midfield would be essential in terms of maintaining the shape and driving the show alongside Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara. Aribo, meanwhile, is growing his all-round traits and should operate in the advanced areas to link up with the Gers’ dynamic front three.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos is back to his absolute best as his stunning brace against Derek McInnes’ side exhibited his lethal goal-scoring attributes while spearheading the attacking third. Ryan Kent was exhilarating with his assists, particularly the one with a backheel and would cause more menace in the Motherwell defence banking on his pace, power and dribbling skills. Ianis Hagi should retain his place down the right-hand flank amid Roofe’s injury absence. The likes of Cedric Itten, Jermain Defoe and Brandon Barker might get involved at a later stage of the contest.
