Rangers travel to Motherwell on Sunday for their ninth game of the 2020/21 Premiership season.
Steven Gerrard’s men dropped points in the capital last weekend, drawing 2-2 with Hibernian, but an impressive 4-0 triumph over Willem II in Europa League qualifying on Thursday night should ensure confidence is high within the group.
Motherwell have endured a disappointing start to the season and entered the weekend eighth in the table, although they did pull off a convincing 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie last Sunday.
Yet, the Steelmen had a tough trip to Israel during the week, suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Kemar Roofe and Joe Aribo will both definitely miss the game due to calf and ankle injuries respectively, while Ryan Jack is also unlikely to make the squad after only resuming training at the tail end of the week following a period on the treatment table.
Brandon Barker could return but may not be fit enough to start and as a result, it could be difficult for Steven Gerrard to rotate in midfield or in the wide channels.
It’s likely that Allan McGregor will continue in goal after his heroics in the Netherlands, although we’re predicting one change to the back four.
After a tough assignment against Willem II, Filip Helander could be given a breather with composed Nigeria international Leon Balogun brought in as his replacement.
Balogun impressed on Gers debut at the start of the season in a tricky away game at Aberdeen and after recently returning to full fitness, he’ll be itching to resume his partnership with Connor Goldson.
James Tavernier and Borna Barisic will continue as the full-backs, while the trio of Steven Davis, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield should retain their places in midfield.
Gerrard may be tempted to deploy Jordan Jones from the start after his lively cameo in Tilburg, but he is more likely to stick with Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent as the two attacking options behind Alfredo Morelos.
Rangers Predicted XI vs Motherwell (A) 27/09/2020:
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