Preview: Rangers (a)

Last updated : 06 May 2008 By Firparkcorner

The short answer, unfortunately, is likely to be no. Our record against Rangers, at Ibrox in particular, is absolutely dreadful. In a match that they simply have to win it seems incredibly optimistic to think we will suddenly improve now.

Another question mark exists over just what side we will put out. Mark McGhee surprised nearly everyone but shuffling the pack so comprehensively last time and it will be interesting to see what he does now. We could go for it and try to strike a decisive blow in the Euro race but it seems a dubious tactic to waste energy and risk players picking up knocks or red cards in a match we will probably lose anyway. It might be more sensible to throw in some kids and bit part players and focus the main effort on the more winnable match against Aberdeen on Saturday.

Whatever McGhee decides to do he won't be picking Connolly or Quinn but they remain our only apparent injuries at present. Rangers on the other hand have a substantial injury list but will welcome back Whittaker after suspension while a couple of midfielders are approaching fitness. Will they be tempted to rest players for a mid-week match? Probably not given they now have no room for error - instead they will try to start quickly and put the game beyond us then ease off for the remaining time.

Motherwell rarely do things the easy way and it is barely imaginable that we could pick up a win at Ibrox. We are likely to give them a fright but our poor defending will cost us once more as we lose 2-1.

The last outing at Ibrox.