Motherwell will visit Rangers for the penultimate league fixture of 2017. The Steelmen have not won at Ibrox since the 2015 play-off game but boosted by the League Cup triumph at Hampden in October they will hope to find some Christmas cheer.
The season’s first meeting resulted in a 2-1 win for Rangers at Fir Park when a second half penalty separated the teams. But they now face the challenge of avoiding a third consecutive defeat on Wednesday evening after falling to St Johnstone and Kilmarnock. We will not face a side brimming with confidence.
The unresolved saga to find a replacement for Caixinha has left Graeme Murty in charge until May and he may feel anxious grumbles from the crowd should Motherwell muster fierce resistance. Captain Ryan Jack has now served his suspension and he will be available to join Alves should he be declared fit. The ‘Well defence will be pleased to note that Kenny Miller will miss out.
Stephen Robinson’s squad has suffered badly from a string of injuries to key players. A few returned last weekend to fight for a point against Dundee but by the end we were reduced to ten men thanks to as series of breakdowns.
There will be a few health checks before team selection can be made and our tactics may have to change. Robinson rarely sets out a defensive formation but he may be forced to send out an eleven with the aim of frustrating the opposition. The longer the game goes without a goal the more pressure will build on the home team.
It may be that the greater depth of squad in the home dressing room could be the difference and they may get a reward by inflicting a 2-0 defeat.