Steven Gerrard’s Rangers fell short at Ibrox against Ligue 1 heavyweights Lyon despite a spirited show on Thursday night. They ended up losing 2-0 in their opening Europa League group stage encounter. However, there’s little time to recover though, with Sunday’s Motherwell clash knocking on the door amid an array of injury concerns.
On the other hand, The Well are enjoying a scintillating spell, having secured three successive wins against Livingston, Dundee and Aberdeen. Although they do not have a great head to head record against the Gers, Graham Alexander’s men must be determined to maintain the momentum and step up a gear from last weekend’s victory at Fir Park.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
Rangers have not put a foot wrong domestically since suffering a shocking league defeat against Dundee United. They are gradually regaining their defensive composure after a frantic start, and the gaffer is likely to rely on Jon McLaughlin between the sticks, with veteran Allan McGregor being preferred for European outings so far this term.
Skipper James Tavernier is expected to retain his right-back role shaking off the midweek disappointment, whereas young Calvin Bassey should get the nod for the left-back spot after an impressive start. The return of Connor Goldson is a significant boost. However, a knee injury picked up versus St. Johnstone would keep Filip Helander sidelined for a while.
Leon Balogun had a busy shift against Lyon, and the manager must consider deploying Jack Simpson in deep defence to keep the Nigerian fit and fresh for the upcoming contests.
Midfield
Ryan Jack and Nnamdi Ofoborh continue to be sidelined with their respective fitness woes. Also, Gerrard is yet to engage Juninho Bacuna following a summer move from Huddersfield Town. He might once again rely on 36-year-old Steven Davis at the base of his three-man midfield.
However, the dynamics of Joe Aribo and technicality of Glen Kamara should not be compromised despite a promising display from John Lundstram versus Les Gones. The experience of Scott Arfield would help them calm things down late in the game as a second-half substitute.
Attack
Ryan Kent has not been in the best of form lately, yet his injury absence (suffered against Lyon) is a massive setback for the Light Blues. Ianis Hagi might be available for selection recovering from Covid-19, but the gaffer should opt for Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe down the wide for the Motherwell tie. Alfredo Morelos has a knock, and therefore, should get replaced by Fashion Sakala if he fails to recover in time.
