SPL Preview: Rangers - Motherwell

Setting The Pace

Consecutive victories against both Celtic and Kilmarnock have continued Rangers’ recovery from their disastrous European exit that took place before the league season got underway. The Gers lost to FBK Kaunas in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, which not only put them out of the continent’s elite club tournament, but put them out of European competition altogether for the season.

Last week’s win against Kilmarnock did not come easily, but eventually, despite falling behind early on and losing defender Sasa Papac to a red card in the closing minutes, the Gers picked up a 2-1 victory at Ibrox.

A three-point gap has been opened up at the top of the table already, but it will take just one slip-up for the early hard work to be undone. Rangers’ home record in recent years has been consistent enough though, and it is the tricky away games, such as trips to Aberdeen and Hibernian that have caught them out both this year and in previous seasons.

Despite plenty of new faces being brought in, and a few heading out of Ibrox this season, selection has been remained very consistent in defence and midfield, with only the strikers being rotated. It remains to be seen whether or not last week’s pairing of Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd will be persisted with, but Boyd certainly did not do his chances any harm after scoring the match-winning double.

Rangers will be looking for three points, some goals and a stylish performance on Sunday, and anything less will be considered a major disappointment for them in front of their own supporters.

European Distraction

After finishing third last season, there was expectation on Motherwell this season, which as yet, they have not lived up to. Well have secured just four points from five games so far, although they have faced some tough opponents including Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Dundee United, all of whom will expect to finish in the top six of the league this season.

It does not get any tougher than a trip to Rangers however, and Well will not be relishing their visit to Ibrox off the back of a difficult trip to Nancy on Thursday, where they lost 1-0 to the French side.

Perhaps their date in the Uefa Cup has proved to be a distraction during the beginning of their league campaign, and with the second leg coming up in less than two weeks’ time, Well will have to be at their best again. They cannot continue to drop points as they have been doing before then though, and if results do not start coming soon then Mark McGhee’s team can forget a repeat of last year’s exploits.

But even the most optimistic of the team’s supporters will not be demanding victory here, and anything the Steelmen are able to pick up should be considered a major bonus.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rangers – Kris Boyd

Kris Boyd is a consistent goalscorer for Rangers and many fans remain perplexed as to why he is regularly left out in the big matches both in Europe and at home. The Scotland international returned to the starting eleven last week and scored two goals, and will be looking to continue his form in order to prove himself to manager Walter Smith. In the SPL, few finishers are as potent in front of goal as Boyd.

Motherwell - Graeme Smith

Motherwell’s Graeme Smith produced a superb performance to limit AS Nancy to just one goal in midweek, making a string of fine saves, including one from the penalty spot. If Well are to get anything out of this one, Smith will have to be at his very best again as no team visits either side of the Old Firm without being significantly tested defensively.

FORM GUIDE

Rangers

September 13 v Kilmarnock (H) WON 2-1
August 31 v Celtic (A) WON 4-2
August 23 v Aberdeen (A) DREW 1-1
August 16 v Hearts (H) WON 2-0
August 9 v Falkirk (A) WON 1-0
 
Motherwell

September 18 v AS Nancy (A) LOST 1-0 (Uefa Cup)
September 13 v Celtic (H) LOST 2-4
August 30 v Hibernian (A) WON 1-0
August 23 v Dundee United (H) DREW 1-1
August 16 v Aberdeen (H) LOST 1-0

TEAM NEWS

Rangers

Kevin Thomson and Kyle Lafferty are set to return from injury to boost Rangers’ squad ahead of Sunday’s match. Defender Sasa Papac, a player who is close to signing a new contract at Ibrox, is suspended having been sent-off against Kilmarnock last weekend.

Steven Whittaker is still out, while winger Chris Burke is slowly moving towards a first-team return. Captain Barry Ferguson is still recovering from ankle surgery.

Motherwell

Motherwell have been boosted by the news that no fresh injuries were picked up during the midweek Uefa Cup game in France against AS Nancy. New signing Maros Klimpl is moving closer to full match fitness, while long-term absentee Brian McLean remains on the sidelines.

MATCHDAY SQUADS

Rangers (from): McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Edu, Adam, Mendes, Beasley, Novo, Miller, Alexander, Aaron, McMillan, Fleck, Lafferty, Thomson, Darcheville, Boyd.

Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Craigan, Reynolds, Malcolm, Fitzpatrick, Hughes, Lasley, McGarry, Porter, Sutton, Clarkson, D Smith, O'Brien, Connolly, Murphy, Nielsen.

PREVIOUS STARTING LINE-UPS

Rangers (2-1 Home V Kilmarnock) (4-4-2): McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Edu, Pedro Mendes, Beasley; Miller, Boyd.

Motherwell (0-1 Away V AS Nancy) (4-4-2): G Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan; Malcolm, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Hughes; Clarkson, Sutton.

PREDICTION

Rangers have made an excellent start to the SPL this season and sit on top of the table, setting the early pace. That is exactly what is demanded of them after their European exit however, and Walter Smith will have to ensure his side keep up their good form for the most part of the 36 game season.

Motherwell have had a poor start and have had European distractions in the past week. Even Kilmarnock, a side who were joint top of the SPL table going to Glasgow last weekend, were unable to pick anything up against the Gers and it is tough to see any disappointment in Rangers’ bid for three points.
 
Rangers 2-0 Motherwell

Chris Myson