Preview: Rangers vs Motherwell – A Tense Ibrox Awaits the Unbreakable Steelmen

This Saturday at Ibrox, a familiar narrative of pressure meets a story of remarkable resilience. Rangers, under the weight of expectation, host a Motherwell side whose quiet confidence is built on one of the most formidable defensive records in Scotland.

While the league table shows a mere point separating the sides, the psychological landscape could not be more different. For Rangers, this fixture is a critical juncture to halt a slide that has seen their title hopes virtually extinguished after a 2-1 defeat to Hearts before Christmas. The quest for a first league crown since 2021 is fading, replaced by the more immediate goal of securing European qualification. Their eight draws this campaign—a testament to a lack of decisive edge—have left them adrift, making three points here non-negotiable.

Standing in their way is a Motherwell transformation under Jens Berthel Askou. The ‘Steelmen’ moniker has never been more apt. Unbeaten in eight across all competitions, they arrive in Glasgow having not conceded a goal in over 540 minutes of football—a staggering run of six consecutive clean sheets. Their organization and discipline have been impregnable since late November, turning them into the league’s immovable object.

Adding spice to the encounter is Motherwell’s recent upper hand; unbeaten in the last three clashes with the Gers. For Askou’s men, this is no daunting trip, but an opportunity to solidify a surprising European charge and prove their mettle on one of Scotland’s grandest stages.

Team News: Absences Test Depth

Rangers’ task is complicated by significant absences. Defender Nasser Djiga is at AFCON with Burkina Faso, while the heart of their defense is weakened with both Derek Cornelius and John Souttar sidelined with muscle injuries. Creativity may also be hampered, with midfielder Nedim Bajrami a doubt.

Motherwell is not without their own concerns. Forward Tawanda Maswanhise is on AFCON duty with Zimbabwe, and they have a lengthy injury list, including long-term absentees Jordan McGhee, Sam Nicholson, Aston Oxborough, and Zach Robinson. Their system, however, has proven robust enough to withstand such challenges.

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

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Rangers form (all competitions):

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Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

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Predicted Lineups

Rangers: (4-2-3-1) Butland; Tavernier, Balogun, Davies, Yılmaz; Diomande, Raskin; McCausland, Cantwell, Matondo; Dessers.

Motherwell: (3-5-2) Kelly; Casey, Blaney, Butcher; O’Donnell, Slattery, Paton, Spittal, Gent; Bair, Vale.