Rejuvenated Rangers have closed the gap with Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings. They are only two points behind their bitter rivals with a game in hand and the League Cup winners must maintain their scintillating run with another victory on Sunday lunchtime against Motherwell at Fir Park.
Well, on the other hand, are fighting for their survival as they find themselves the last but one in league table. They have not won a game since defeating Hearts back in September and Rangers, who claimed an edgy 1-0 win at Ibrox, should secure a commanding victory despite multiple injury concerns. Having said that, the Light Blues must not take them lightly considering Motherwell’s 1-1 draw with Celtic at Parkhead a month back.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
Jack Butland should aim for his third successive clean sheet after Aberdeen and St Johnstone outings. He has restored stability between the sticks since succeeding Allan McGregor as the Gers ‘number 1’.
Skipper James Tavernier is leading by example with 15 goals and 6 assists in 30 games. He would be the first name on the teamsheet despite the congestion of fixtures, but the gaffer Philippe Clement is likely to opt for rotation in the other areas to avoid further fitness woes. Borna Barisic should return to the starting XI replacing Ridvan Yilmaz, and so is Leon Balogun who might reclaim his place in deep defence alongside Connor Goldson. John Souttar could join the likes of Ben Davies and Leon King among substitutes.
Midfield
Clement has restored Kieran Dowell in the centre of the pitch amid injuries to Nicolas Raskin, Ryan Jack, Tom Lawrence and Steven Davis. Jose Cifuentes is available again after serving a two-game suspension, but an injury sustained against the Saints could see him miss the Motherwell tie. Fullback Dujon Sterling has impressed as a makeshift midfielder and the manager is expected to hand him a start over Dowell to partner with Cifuentes as the ‘double pivot’.
Ross McCausland is enjoying his breakthrough season having progressed through the Gers’ academy ranks. He should keep his right midfield role, whereas Todd Cantwell is tipped to replace Sam Lammers as a ‘number 10’ after appearing from the bench on Wednesday night. Abdallah Sima is in red-hot form and the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee must exhibit his mastery from the left-hand flank.
Attack
Injuries to Danilo and Kemar Roofe have decimated Rangers’ options high up the pitch. Cyriel Dessers must grab his chances after impressing against St Johnstone with a first-half strike.
