Rangers would be back on home turf to take on Motherwell after the long and disappointing trip to Russia where they lost the lead thrice and were beaten 4-3 on the day to end their unbeaten run in the Europa League. Gerrard lambasted his side’s defensive performance and said that the u-12 and u-13 boys could clear the ball with either foot (Clearly picking out on Connor Goldson’s own goal). The defending was all over the place, and we can see the reaction from the manager regarding the playing eleven when they take on ninth-placed Motherwell.
Team News
Ryan Kent is struggling with his hamstring injury. Borna Barisic is a big miss down the left-hand side of the defence. Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy remain long-term absentees. Kyle Lafferty is also likely to miss out this tie.
Rangers Predicted Lineup vs Motherwell
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan Mcgregor made some heroic stops midweek to keep his side in the game, but it wasn’t enough for the Gers. However, he would remains the undisputed no. 1 in goal. Gerrard looked miffed in his post-match reactions and asked his defenders to get the basics right. It might not be the most popular call, but Gerrard has shown that he can be brave in his team selections and there is a good chance that both the centre back from the last game could be dropped for this tie. Joe Worrall is likely to come in, and the veteran Gareth McAuley can also get his first start of the season at the back.
Jon Flanagan should be dropped in favour of Andy Halliday. James Tavernier should just about keep his place at the right back spot.
Midfield
Lassana Coulibaly’s performance has been shocking in the past few games, and Ryan Jack should start this game as the defensive midfielder. In a more central role, Ovie Ejaria and Scott Arfield should keep their place.
Attack
Ryan Kent’s injury should give Glenn Middleton another chance to start from the beginning. Though someone like Eros Grezda should also be in the reckoning, we feel Middleton is in a good run of form at the moment, and the youngster should be prefered over the Albanian. Daniel Candeias was one of the stand out players while going forward and the Portuguese winger has been influential of late. He should start down the right.
The Bears scored three in the last game, and it was surprising to see Morelos not even scoring one (He did score but was wrongfully ruled offside) as the team is too dependent on him when it comes to scoring goals. With no real alternative, the Colombian forward should once again lead the line.
