A routine win against Raith Rovers last weekend saw Rangers secure a place in the Scottish Cup semifinal. They will lock horns with bitter rivals Celtic in their battle to defend the silverware, but the focus must now be on the upcoming Premiership clash against Motherwell at Fir Park.
The Gers have maintained their supremacy so far this season as the Saturday hosts lost on both occasions including an edgy 1-2 defeat in their own backyard. They are currently struggling at the wrong end of the league table and the Light Blues, therefore, must not take the tie lightly. A win would reduce the gap to six points momentarily before the Hoops clash heads with Hibernian late in the afternoon.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
41-year-old Allan McGregor has reclaimed the ‘number 1’ status despite initial rotation with compatriot Jon McLaughlin. The latter has failed to grab his opportunities and the gaffer Michael Beale is unlikely to make a change between the sticks.
Ben Davies was subbed off against the Rovers with a potential injury concern. But he is expected to recover in time for this weekend’s encounter. Fit-again John Souttar would be deployed alongside Connor Goldson in case the ex-Liverpool centre-half fails the late fitness test. Skipper James Tavernier must maintain his standard down the right, also, Borna Barisic is expected to keep his place on the left despite Ridvan Yilmaz’s return. Leon King would be the alternate centre-back option amid Filip Helander’s persistent injury problems.
Midfield
Beale tweaked his setup to a 4-3-1-2 in recent games but is tipped to play a ‘double pivot’ versus Motherwell. Ryan Jack, an unused substitute against the Rovers, should be restored in the middle of the park. Nicolas Raskin needs a run of games to attune to the demands of Scottish football and the manager might bring John Lundstram in the second half who is yet to regain his form.
With Malik Tillman managing an injury concern, the Ibrox boss must not rush his recovery before the international break. Fashion Sakala and Ryan Kent are there to cause menace from the flanks allowing Todd Cantwell to operate centrally as a midfield attacker. Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Scott Arfield might get involved as ‘super subs’.
Attack
Kemar Roofe has suffered another injury blow which leaves Rangers with Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos as the senior striking options. Colak is likely to get the nod though after a brace against Hibs in their previous Premiership outing.
