Preview: Motherwell vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

After four games in a row without a victory, Motherwell shall be attempting to get their season back on track this Sunday when they host Rangers at Fir Park.

The Gers shall also be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a draw in midweek, which has allowed the chasing pack to close the gap on them at the top of the league.

Match preview

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Despite impressing earlier on in the campaign, Motherwell are currently suffering from a period of struggle in the Scottish Premiership, having gone four games without a victory.

The Steelmen suffered a trio of consecutive defeats at the start of October which have seen them drop to sixth in the table, and a defeat at the weekend could see them fall as low as eighth if other results do not go their way.

In their most recent outing, Graham Alexander's men were able to secure a point with a 2-2 draw against St Mirren, but it was a night of frustration for the squad.

A brace from Tony Watt early in the second half had provided them with a two-goal lead in the game, but they threw that away when Eamonn Brophy managed to score a couple later on.

Defensive performances have been lacking from Motherwell recently, with the squad having not kept a clean sheet in their previous six performances, which is something they will need to improve when facing Rangers.

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The Gers have scored 19 times in the league this season, which has only been topped by Celtic, and considering they have only lost once so far in the Scottish Premiership, there will be no shortage of confidence within the squad.

However, the Gers did slip up in midweek when they played Aberdeen, as they dropped two points in a match that forced them to come from behind, battling back into the game after conceding twice in the opening 20 minutes.

A first-half strike from Alfredo Morelos and a late, 81st-minute penalty by James Tavernier managed to rescue a point for the team as they maintained their grip at the top of the league.

However, their gap against the other clubs in the division is shortening and a defeat on Sunday has the potential to see them fall down the table, with Celtic now just two points behind them.

Steven Gerrard will be well aware of the fact that Motherwell were able to cause them problems when they met earlier this season, as the two teams shared the spoils.

The fixture finished 1-1 in September, with Rangers having taken the lead via Fashion Sakala only for Kaiyne Woolery to drag the Steelmen back into the game, which the hosts shall be hoping to do once again.

Team News

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Motherwell will be pleased that they have no new injury concerns heading into Sunday, with Robbie Crawford being the only absentee due to his ankle problem.

However, after four games without a victory, there is a good chance that Alexander may shuffle the pack slightly, although Watt is sure to retain his place after scoring twice in midweek.

Despite no longer having to wear his protective boot, Filip Helander is still not available for Rangers this weekend as his recovery from surgery on his knee continues.

On the other hand, Ryan Jack is edging closer to making a return and could be in contention for a place in the squad after Gerrard confirmed he has returned to team training this week.

Allan McGregor could also regain his spot in goal after being dropped in midweek during the 2-2 draw against St Mirren.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; O'Donnell, Johansen, Ojala, McGinley; Goss, Grimshaw, Slattery; Watt, Woolery, Shields

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Kamara, Lundstram, Aribo; Roofe, Hagi, Morelos

We say: Motherwell 1-2 Rangers

This is an important fixture for Motherwell, as a victory would immediately throw them back into the title race and get them out of their current poor form.

However, it is going to be a difficult one against the current table-toppers and, after drawing in midweek, Rangers will likely get themselves back to winning ways on Sunday.

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