Premiership leaders Rangers will resume their title defence on Tuesday night in a tricky away outing against Motherwell. They have a six-point cushion over bitter rivals Celtic at the top of the standings, but the rejuvenated Dons might frustrate the champions at Pittodrie as they did in the Ibrox tie back in October 2021.
Rangers were down by two goals when Christian Ramirez and Scott Brown silenced the home fans early into the game. Alfredo Morelos pulled one back minutes later, but the hosts had to wait until the 81st-minute mark when skipper James Tavernier salvaged a point from the spot. Aberdeen’s grit and resilience at the back should make this midweek contest an intriguing watch.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
Following his appointment as the Rangers chief, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has stopped the rotation between the sticks and relied on 40-year-old Allan McGregor ahead of Jon McLaughlin. The veteran Scotsman is likely to remain as the ‘number 1’ versus Aberdeen.
Nathan Patterson has completed a high-profile transfer to Everton and the Light Blues, therefore, should see James Tavernier continuing as the right fullback week in week out. Leon Balogun is not a part of Nigeria’s AFCON squad due to injury, however, the experienced centre-half has stepped up his recovery during the winter break. While it is still unclear whether the gaffer would hand him a start in the heart of the backline, Calvin Bassey’s emergence as a makeshift central defensive option should see him featuring alongside Connor Goldson. Borna Barisic is expected to operate as the left fullback if Bassey retains his place in deep defence.
Midfield
Rangers will miss the services of Joe Aribo who is representing Nigeria in the ongoing AFCON. Glen Kamara must maintain his mastery in the middle of the park, whereas John Lundstram is likely to get the nod given his experience in English football. Scott Arfield has been a revelation under Van Bronckhorst and the Canadian’s box-to-box movements and work ethics might allow the visitors to dominate the midfield game in the upcoming fixture. The likes of Steven Davis, Juninho Bacuna and winter signing James Sands are there to challenge and cover for the first-team places.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos revived his majestic scoring form last month. He must spearhead the attack against the Reds, also the pace, flair and prowess of Ryan Kent down the left flank would cause menace in opponents’ defence. Scott Wright, promising of late, might be deployed from the right ahead of Ianis Hagi. Although the Gers have parted ways with Jermain Defoe, Cedric Itten has been recalled from his Greuther Furth loan to compete for a starting status alongside Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe.
