Rangers confirmed starting XI v Motherwell: Morelos starts, Barisic returns
Michael Beale will look to continue his 100% record since taking over as Rangers manager as his side host Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday (28 December).
The Gers claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ross County on Friday evening (23 December), with a sole John Lundstram strike enough to claim all three points.
Beale faces a Motherwell side that threw away a two-goal lead in their draw against Kilmarnock last time out and currently sits ninth in the Scottish Premiership.
As confirmed on Twitter prior to kick-off, Rangers have welcomed back Allan McGregor, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, Alex Lowry and Alfredo Morelos into the starting lineup, with senior goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin being axed to the bench along with Adam Devine, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Fashion Sakala.
Old Firm Derby on the horizon
Tonight is all about getting the job done, picking up three points and carrying some momentum into the Old Firm Derby in the New Year (Monday 2 January).
Although Beale has overseen three victories in a row since arriving at the Glasgow club, his side have failed the eye test at several points. During the 3-2 victory over Hibernian, there was some extremely scratchy defending on show, and his side looked extremely vulnerable in transition.
Last week against Ross County, it was his side’s offensive play which would have worried Beale the most. With Alfredo Morelos resigned to the bench, Fashion Sakala struggled to create any substantial chances in an unfamiliar centre-forward role.
Beale will hope for a comfortable victory against Motherwell with the Old Firm Derby waiting on the horizon. If his side can narrow the gap over the New Year and pile the pressure on the Hoops, they may still stand a chance of launching a remarkable title bid.
In other Rangers news, a journalist drops a major update on Southampton’s move for Ryan Kent.