Midweek saw Glasgow Rangers defeat Kilmarnock 2-1 to extend their winning streak to 11 games, but they did not have an easy time of it.
Rugby Park’s plastic field disturbed the Gers’ routine as they failed to create any momentum in the first half, falling behind goal to nil after forty-five minutes.
The Light Blues prevailed crucially because to a James Tavernier free-kick and a superb low effort by Tom Lawrence. Philippe Clement had to give a powerful team talk during halftime, and it was evident that it was effective.
As the Ibrox side takes on Motherwell this afternoon, the fixtures are coming in thick and fast. They would be able to temporarily increase their lead over Celtic to five points with a victory, therefore Clement will be counting on his team to put up a strong showing to put pressure on them.
In light of that, here is a possible starting lineup that the Belgian manager may select this afternoon, featuring three possible changes from the victory midweek…
GK – Jack Butland
The Englishman has been in commanding form for the team this season, and in the upcoming weeks, it may even result in an England call-up.
Butland has kept 22 clean sheets and given up 31 goals in 43 games this season, regaining the form that made him a Stoke City mainstay in the Premier League.
It’s often said that offence wins games, but defence wins titles, and the goalie will be crucial.
RB – James Tavernier
There was only going to be one result on Wednesday night when Rangers won a free kick moments into the second half, well outside the Kilmarnock box.
When it counted most, Tavernier came through with his 121st goal for the team—an incredible accomplishment for any player, let alone a right-back.
Although his leadership has drawn criticism in the past, he has the potential to guide the Gers to an unprecedented treble this season.
CB – Connor Goldson
The centre backs will start today’s match against Well unchanged from their performance against Killie in the middle of the week.
A steady run in the starting XI together has fostered a great partnership between Goldson and John Souttar.
The Englishman recently made his 300th competitive appearance for the Light Blues, and if he keeps up his present form—which is questionable given his injury history and output—he might make 400.
CB – John Souttar
During the thrilling victory over Killie on Wednesday night, the Scottish player demonstrated his outstanding skills once more by winning eight out of nine aerial duels, making 100% of his long balls, and completing a crucial pass.
Since the beginning of the season, he and Goldson have been the Gers’ reliable centre back tandem; may this continue.
LB – Ridvan Yilmaz
Borna Barisic began the match against the Rugby Park team, but he had a terrible first half in which he only completed 69% of his attempted passes and lost possession 16 times.
At halftime, Ridvan Yilmaz took his position, and there was an amazing difference.
The Turkish defender impressed defensively and looked like a more formidable opponent going forward, so it’s clear who should start at left-back going forward.
CM – John Lundstram
Lundstram, who has only missed one game since Clement took over as manager in October of last year, is Mr. Consistent, and his performance will most likely lead to an extension of his contract.
This afternoon, a January signing will be used to partner with the former Sheffield United midfielder, who will keep his spot.
CM – Mohamed Diomande
Diomande has made quite an impression at Rangers since arriving in January. Across just six matches, the Ivorian has scored twice – in league games against St Johnstone and Hearts – while adding some dynamism in the midfield.
He did struggle on the Rugby Park pitch in midweek, but this experience will allow him to perform better in the future, and he could emerge as a star in the coming years.
RW – Dujon Sterling
Clement has utilised Sterling in a few positions recently, but it was his stint on the right wing during the clash against St Johnstone that caught the eye.
He won a penalty, missed a big chance, and succeeded with a dribble attempt after coming on for Scott Wright, showing his attacking intentions.
AM – Tom Lawrence
Given the surface and his history of injuries, it was maybe unexpected to see Lawrence on the pitch in the middle of the week, but he gave an excellent performance.
The Welshman’s goal proved to be a monument to his remarkable recovery from a series of setbacks that threatened to end his Ibrox tenure since his arrival in the summer of 2022.
LW – Ross McCausland
Oscar Cortes will not play in today’s tie because of an injury he sustained against Kilmarnock, according to Clement during his pre-game press conference.
Since Rabbi Matondo might not be totally fit either, McCausland will start on the left flank, which gives him an opportunity to perform well outside of his comfort zone.
ST – Cyriel Dessers
Fabio Silva had his debut against Killie, but he didn’t really make an impact. This could indicate that Dessers is playing with absolute freedom today.
The £27k-per-week striker has already scored 16 goals this season, and although if he misses a good number of opportunities, if enough passes are given to him, he finally finds the back of the net.
In a match against Hibs in January, David Edgar, the owner of the well-known fan media website Heart and Hand, called Dessers “incredible,” indicating that he is a player who lives on confidence. The striker will have plenty of opportunities tonight thanks to players like Diomande and Lawrence; the key will be for him to hang on and help the Light Blues win all three points at Ibrox.
Predicted Rangers starting XI vs Motherwell in full (4-2-3-1) – GK – Butland; RB – Tavernier, CB – Goldson, CB – Souttar, LB – Yilmaz; CM – Lundstram, CM – Diomande; RW – Sterling, AM – Lawrence, LW – McCausland; ST – Dessers
