Rangers are not having the best of time after last season’s unbeaten league triumph. They escaped a home defeat against Aberdeen on Wednesday night and are expecting yet another tricky test this weekend against Motherwell at Fir Park. The Well are enjoying a decent run under Graham Alexander and have already stunned the Gers at Ibrox in the reverse fixture.
A second-half strike from Kaiyne Woolery cancelled out Fashion Sakala’s early lead and the hosts settled for a 1-1 draw despite being superior in terms of possession and goal-bound opportunities. In-form Celtic have closed the gap to two points after initial stumbles and the Light Blues, therefore, must secure a victory on the road to keep hold of their top of the table spot.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell
Defence
It’s hard to predict who would start in goal between Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin. Steven Gerrard has rotated the custodians extensively and might replace the latter to make way for veteran McGregor for the Motherwell outing. McLaughlin did not impress a lot versus the Dons and the experience of the 40-year-old might come good in such a difficult away fixture.
The gaffer can’t be experimental while choosing his ‘back four’. The defence has been leaking goals and the injury to Filip Helander is forcing him to rely on Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun week in week out. Right fullback James Tavernier remains erroneous at the back, but his impact high up the pitch can’t be replaced even though Nathan Patterson has been terrific in limited gametime. A minor injury ruled Borna Barisic out versus Aberdeen, but the energetic display from Calvin Bassey looked convincing enough for successive starts irrespective of the Croatian’s recovery.
Midfield
John Lundstram has been preferred over Steven Davis in recent weeks. Although he has improved his game after a dreadful start, a lot more is expected from the ex-Sheffield United star in terms of driving the show from the middle of the park. However, the Englishman does not fit at the base of a ‘midfield three’ but as a double pivot alongside Glen Kamara. Gerrard should opt for a 4-2-3-1 rather than sticking to his trademark 4-3-3.
The change of formation would free up Joe Aribo further in an advanced midfield role. He would switch between ‘number 8’ and ‘number 10’ based on the momentum, whereas the likes of Ianis Hagi and Scott Wright must feature as wide attacking options. The injury absence of Ryan Kent is a massive blow, and the lack of impact from Kemar Roofe down the wing should see him finding a place among the substitutes. Apart from Davis, Juninho Bacuna and Scott Arfield might get involved at some stage late in the contest.
Attack
Despite scoring goals, Alfredo Morelos has been criticised for his wastefulness and lack of urgency in the attacking third. The Colombian, therefore, must show more intent and work ethic in the build-ups while spearheading the Gers attack. Roofe and Fashion Sakala are capable enough to make a difference as ‘super subs’.
