GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Kemar Roofe of Rangers (C) celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The Scottish Premiership is set to return to action this weekend as Rangers make the trip to Fir Park to lock horns with Motherwell. Steven Gerrard’s side are unbeaten in 23 league fixtures so far this season and will be looking to stretch that run against Graham Alexander’s side on Sunday.
Rangers beat Motherwell 3-1 back in December but had to come back from a goal down to outclass the Steelmen. The Ibrox giants have built a formidable 21-point lead over rivals Celtic atop the standings and will be the outright favourites to come away with all three points against a struggling Motherwell side.
The Fir Park outfit have failed to win any of their last 11 games in all competitions and are currently fighting relegation at the wrong end of the table.
Gerrard has a few injury concerns in his midfield department, with Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack both currently on the treatment table. Kemar Roofe has been ruled out with a minor injury while Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee for the Gers with a cruciate ligament injury.
The veteran has been en epitome of reliability between the sticks for the Gers and should start once again on Sunday.
The skipper missed the target from the penalty spot against Aberdeen but has always been a key player for the club at both ends of the pitch.
The former Brighton man has been an undisputed starter at the heart of the defence under Gerrard and should comfortably retain his place in the side.
Balogun has done a decent job in recent weeks but Gerrard might just rotate his squad and hand the Swede an opportunity to impress at Fir Park this weekend.
The Croatian caused Aberdeen all sorts of problems with the quality of his deliveries down the left and will be expected to continue his good run of form.
The veteran put in an excellent shift in the win over Aberdeen and should continue in the starting XI with Ryan Jack still injured.
The Nigerian has really come to the fore with a string of impressive displays in the absence of Arfield and Gerrard should continue to back him with regular starts.
The Finland international remains an indispensable cog in Rangers midfield with his tireless running and excellent all-round game.
The Romanian failed to make the most of his opportunity against Aberdeen but should get another chance to impress, with Roofe expected to miss the trip to Motherwell.
The former Liverpool man will be high on confidence after bagging two crucial assists in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen last week.
The Colombian talisman hasn’t always fired on all cylinders this season but will be hoping to build on his impressive brace against Aberdeen in the last game.