Preview: Rangers vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

Fresh from their triumphant success in the Europa Conference League, Rangers shall be hoping to keep the pressure on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, as they remain just three points behind the league leaders.

The Gers will host Motherwell on Sunday, with the visitors just sitting inside the top half, and a defeat could see them slip down if other results do not go their way.

Match preview

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Rangers continued their impressive form in midweek, picking up another excellent result against Borussia Dortmund which saw them secure their place in the next round of the Europa Conference League.

The Gers drew 2-2 with the German outfit thanks to a brace from James Tavernier, which led to a 6-4 victory on aggregate, following another great performance in the first leg.

The squad will now be looking to take that momentum into the Scottish Premiership this weekend, where they are unbeaten in their past three matches following a loss to Celtic.

That defeat saw Rangers slip down from the top spot, with their Old Firm rivals replacing them, and with three points separating them right now, Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be hoping his team can push on with each game.

However, the Gers were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw during their last outing in the league, with a second-half goal from Joe Aribo helping them get back into the match after falling behind against Dundee United.

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Motherwell also shared the points during their last performance, which came against Aberdeen, with a Mark O'Hara goal helping them to stay in the game, which finished 1-1.

That draw saw the Steelmen extend their run without a win in the league to seven matches, with the Boxing Day fixture against Livingston being the last time they picked up three points.

This is a period that has resulted in them slipping down the table, and Graham Alexander's men now find themselves in sixth place, with pressure mounting from the teams below.

A defeat on Sunday could result in Motherwell dropping down to ninth, which is something they will be keen to avoid happening, especially at such an important time in the season.

While the Steemen were able to hold Rangers to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, the squad shall be well aware that their last meeting ended in a 6-1 defeat, which Alexander will not want to repeat.

Team News

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After scoring three goals in the two games against Borussia Dortmund, Tavernier will be set to retain his place at right-back for Rangers, with his attacking qualities continuing to be a threat.

The midfield trio of John Lundstram, Aribo and Ryan Jack has also proven to be effective in those cup ties, which could continue this weekend, while Alfredo Morelos is set to lead the line.

O'Hara was able to find the back of the net for Motherwell last weekend, and after an impressive performance in midfield, he will once again be called upon by Alexander.

Kevin van Veen will be working as a lone striker, being supported by Connor Shields and Joe Efford on either side of him as the Steelmen look to get back to winning ways in the league.

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Lundstram, Aribo, Jack; Arfield, Kent; Morelos

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Mugabi, Johansen, Ojala, Carroll; O'Hara, Donnelly, Goss; Efford, Shields, Van Veen

We say: Rangers 2-0 Motherwell

Even though Rangers have drawn their previous two matches, they will head into this fixture as firm favorites, and they should have more than enough quality to take all three points.

The Gers are in a title race right now, and every match is crucial for them, while Motherwell are in a difficult spell of form, which could see them struggle to make an impact.

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