Rangers have a massive week ahead of them in the Scottish Premiership and it all begins against Motherwell on Saturday in a match that could make or break their comeback on Aberdeen.
Since Pedro Caixinha won his opening match two weeks ago, spirits have been high amongst the Gers support, so all hopeful that the new boss can start them on the path to closing the gap on Celtic next season.
Motherwell may be struggling towards the bottom of the table, like Hamilton, but they’re a better side than Accies and have managed to cause Rangers some problems recently, pushing them to the very end of both matches between the sides so far this term.
How do Rangers tackle this one? There will be a myriad of choices for Caixinha to make and he will have surely settled on a plan during the recent international break that afforded him time to work with some of his players.
But just in case he’s struggling, here’s a how-to-guide to getting the job done this weekend…
The big return: Andy Halliday
Andy Halliday has had to sit out two games now with a hamstring problem, including the 1-1 draw away to Celtic. He hasn’t quite managed to show the consistent form Rangers fans expect of him this season but he’s still a committed midfielder and it’ll be very interesting to see how he fits into a Pedro Caixinha side on Saturday.
Bringing him back into the fold would be a boost to the Rangers midfield and could spark a revival in a player many thought might not have a long-term future after his performances under Mark Warburton earlier in the season.
He’s Rangers through and through and if anyone can inspire them to a big win it’s him. If the Gers are going to have any shot at turning around their fortunes in the late stages of the season then they’ll need players like Halliday to step up.
The key threat: Louis Moult
With 14 goals in all competitions this season, the man Rangers need to keep an eye on this Saturday is most definitely Louis Moult.
The above goal against Celtic in December shows he has the ability to score against the best teams in the country. He also knows how to get a goal at Ibrox, netting there earlier in the season in the Scottish Cup before two late goals bailed the Light Blues out.
Moult will be hoping that last minute heartache doesn’t rear its head again and with a new boss to impress himself, in the form of Stephen Robinson, he’ll be as motivated as ever to get a result.
Motherwell are slap bang in the middle of a relegation dogfight and it’s going to take a massive effort to pull themselves clear. A result at Ibrox would be something most teams haven’t managed this term and a give them a massive confidence boost heading into the last eight games.
The main man: Kenny Miller
With four goals against Motherwell this season, no Rangers player has caused the Steelmen as much problem as veteran striker Kenny Miller. He’s scored in all three matches against ‘Well so far this term; a last minute winner in August, a late, late double to get them through in the Scottish Cup in January and then the vital opener in their game at Fir Park.
Caixinha will be hoping he can be a thorn in their side again on Saturday and must play the 37-year-old.
He may be in the twilight of his playing career, but there’s nobody like him in the team that is able to finish chances so expertly.
He’s been one of Rangers’ most consistent players this season despite his age and his experience is going to be absolutely massive in the run-in.
The needed improvement: Taking control
In the two matches against Motherwell at Ibrox so far this season, the big problem has been not taking control of the match from the off and netting an early goal.
‘Well have taken the lead in both those matches, through Scott McDonald and Louis Moult, and then managed to sit in protect those leads until the very end of the games.
Rangers can’t afford to be playing catch-up on Saturday, they have enough of a problem to close the gap on Aberdeen.
Supporters need to see their team turn up from the off and take the game to Motherwell. Robinson’s side are no great shakes defensively this season, conceding 57 goals. That’s more than any other side in the top-flight. There are no excuses in not putting them to the sword.
