Rangers are no longer the second-best Premiership side following their defeat against Aberdeen on Wednesday night. The Dons are leading the league standings jointly with Celtic, and the Gers, under Philippe Clement, are still struggling for rhythm and consistency. Another massive test awaits them on Sunday afternoon as they travel to Hampden Park and clash with Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semifinal.
The reigning Premier Sports Cup winners were supposed to challenge Celtic for the Premiership crown. Instead, they have only managed to stay three points clear of the fourth-placed Steelmen after 10 gameweeks. The Hoops and the Dons have a nine-point cushion at the top of the table and the Belgian boss must focus on the Cup ties to stand a chance of conquering silverware.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
Despite saving Jamie McGrath’s spot-kick, Jack Butland could not earn his side a result at Pittodrie. But he has impressed between the sticks as his secured ‘number 1’ status would refrain Liam Kelly from featuring against his former employers.
Despite being a shadow of his former self, skipper James Tavernier should get the nod over Neraysho Kasanwirjo for his experience and leadership traits. Veteran Leon Balogun has started the past three games but could make way for Robin Propper to avoid fatigue and fitness woes. John Souttar has cemented his place in the heart of the backline. Also, left fullback Jefte would return to the starting XI amid the absence of injury-ravaged Ridvan Yilmaz.
Midfield
Connor Barron has been a vital cog as the ‘number six’ and the gaffer must decide whether to stick with Nicolas Raskin or bring Mohamed Diomande back to partner with the young Scotsman deep down the midfield. The Ivorian was an unused substitute against the Dons. However, Raskin’s aggression and technical traits make him a more natural fit as a deep-lying playmaker.
While Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo are recovering from long-term injury problems, summer signings Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny have restored depth, parity and quality down the flanks. The latter missed the Aberdeen clash with a minor issue, but the gaffer hopes to have him back for the weekend encounter. The in-form Czech wideman should replace Ross McCausland on the right, and the ‘number 10’ spot belongs to Tom Lawrence as he has fired in 5 goals and laid on 2 more in 14 appearances across competitions.
Attack
Despite a blistering start, Cyriel Dessers has struggled of late while spearheading the attack. He found the net when these two teams clashed heads at Hampden earlier this campaign and the fans would demand a similar impact as he is expected to retain his ‘number 9’ status ahead of Hamza Igamane.
