Rangers v Motherwell predictions for Saturday’s match in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers face Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in the second matchday of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership, with both teams aiming to build early season momentum. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Aug 10, 2024 at 3pm UK at Hampden Park
Rangers vs Motherwell Predictions
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Can Rangers End Their Winless Streak or Will Motherwell Hold Them at Ibrox?
Key Stats
Rangers have failed to win their last eight matches across all competitions.
Motherwell have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 Scottish Premiership matches.
Cyriel Dessers has scored in two of Rangers’ last three competitive fixtures.
Rangers face off against Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium this Saturday in what promises to be a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter for both sides. After a disappointing draw in their opening game, Rangers are desperate to get back on track, while Motherwell will be looking to build on their own draw as they visit Glasgow. With both teams eyeing early momentum in the league, this match could be pivotal in setting the tone for their respective seasons.
Tactical Analysis and Team Performance
Rangers enter this fixture in the midst of a troubling period, having failed to secure a win in their last eight matches across all competitions. Philippe Clement, who took over managerial duties in October 2023, initially seemed to have steadied the ship, but his side’s form deteriorated towards the end of last season and has yet to improve this term. A goalless draw in their league opener and a 1-1 stalemate in the Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Kyiv have only added to the growing concerns among the Ibrox faithful.
Motherwell, on the other hand, have shown signs of improvement under Stuart Kettlewell, who took charge in February 2023. While last season saw them finish in ninth place, they have managed to avoid defeat in their last eight matches, including pre-season friendlies and competitive fixtures. Despite their struggles in recent seasons, Motherwell’s resilience and ability to grind out results could make them a tough opponent for a Rangers side low on confidence.
The tactical setup of both teams will be crucial in this match. Rangers are expected to dominate possession, as evidenced by their 63% ball possession in their last league outing. Their ability to control the midfield and transition quickly into attack will be key, particularly through the likes of Connor Barron and Tom Lawrence, who are central to Clement’s tactical approach. However, their inability to convert possession into goals—a recurring issue highlighted by their mere three shots on target in the previous game—remains a significant concern.
Motherwell are likely to adopt a more defensive approach, relying on counter-attacks to exploit any gaps left by Rangers. With a solid defensive core led by Liam Gordon and Dan Casey, Kettlewell’s side will aim to frustrate Rangers and capitalise on any mistakes. Their success in this fixture may hinge on the performances of Zach Robinson and Moses Ebiye upfront, who will need to be clinical with the limited opportunities that come their way.
Key Areas of the Pitch and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be particularly intense, with Rangers’ central duo of Barron and Diomande likely to face off against Motherwell’s Andy Halliday and Lennon Miller. Barron’s ability to control the tempo and Diomande’s energy in breaking up play will be vital for Rangers, while Halliday’s experience and Miller’s dynamism could provide a strong counterbalance for Motherwell. This duel could very well determine the flow of the game, with the winner of this midfield battle likely to dictate the overall tempo.
On the wings, James Tavernier’s forward runs and crossing ability will be crucial for Rangers, especially with Cyriel Dessers poised to be the focal point of their attack. Tavernier’s overlapping runs will need to be closely monitored by Motherwell’s wing-backs, particularly Ewan Wilson, who will be tasked with the dual responsibility of defending and supporting his team’s counter-attacks.
In defence, Rangers’ John Souttar and Ben Davies will need to be alert to the threat posed by Motherwell’s front two, Robinson and Ebiye. Souttar’s physicality and Davies’ positional awareness will be tested, particularly on set pieces, where Motherwell have shown proficiency in creating chances.
Expected Gameplay and Dynamics
Given the tactical setups and recent performances of both teams, this match is likely to see Rangers dominate possession, attempting to break down a well-organised Motherwell defence. However, Rangers’ current lack of cutting edge in the final third means they may struggle to create clear-cut chances, especially if Motherwell can maintain their defensive discipline.
Motherwell, for their part, will likely sit deep, absorbing pressure and looking to hit Rangers on the counter. Their recent record suggests that they are capable of scoring, but their reliance on Robinson and Ebiye means they will need to be highly efficient with their chances. A well-timed counter-attack or a set-piece opportunity could be their best bet for finding the back of the net.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Teams
Rangers’ main strength lies in their ability to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. With a passing accuracy of 80.9%, they are comfortable in keeping the ball and building from the back. Their defence, which conceded no goals in their opening game, also appears solid, with Jack Butland providing a reliable last line of defence.
However, their weaknesses are equally glaring. Rangers have struggled to convert their dominance into goals, with their forwards lacking the clinical touch needed to finish off games. The absence of Nicolas Raskin in midfield has also deprived them of a creative spark, and the potential absence of Oscar Cortes could further hamper their attacking options.
Motherwell’s strength lies in their resilience and defensive organisation. They have kept a clean sheet in their last match and are capable of frustrating opponents with their disciplined approach. Their ability to win duels, particularly in the air, as evidenced by their 55.1% aerial duel success rate, could be crucial in neutralising Rangers’ attacking threats.
However, Motherwell’s attacking options are limited, particularly following the departure of last season’s top scorer Thelonius Bair. Their reliance on Robinson and Ebiye means that they may struggle to break down Rangers’ defence, especially if they fail to create enough chances.
Managerial Critique
Philippe Clement, despite his initial success at Rangers, is facing growing criticism for his inability to turn around the team’s fortunes. His tactical approach, which relies heavily on possession-based football, has been questioned due to the lack of end product. While Clement’s methods have brought stability, they have yet to deliver the consistent results needed to challenge for the title. His decision-making, particularly in terms of team selection and substitutions, has also been scrutinised, with many fans questioning whether he is the right man to lead Rangers forward.
Stuart Kettlewell, on the other hand, has been praised for his ability to stabilise Motherwell and make them competitive, despite limited resources. His pragmatic approach has yielded results, but there are concerns about his team’s attacking output. Kettlewell’s focus on defence and counter-attacks has been effective, but it remains to be seen whether this strategy can consistently deliver points against stronger opposition.
Betting Angles and Trends
Given the current form of both teams, several betting angles emerge. Rangers’ struggles in front of goal suggest that a low-scoring game could be on the cards, particularly given Motherwell’s solid defensive record. A bet on under 2.5 goals could therefore offer value.
Another angle to consider is the corner market. Rangers’ tendency to dominate possession and create chances, even if not converted, often results in a high number of corners. With an average of seven corners per game, backing Rangers to win the corner count seems a solid bet.
Additionally, with Rangers’ recent defensive solidity, a bet on them to keep a clean sheet could also be worth considering. Despite Motherwell’s resilience, their limited attacking options may struggle to breach Rangers’ backline.
Predicted Lineups and Commentary
Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Davies, Yilmaz; Diomande, Barron; Wright, Lawrence, Matondo; Dessers.
Motherwell (3-5-2): Oxborough; Casey, Gordon, McGinn; O’Donnell, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Wilson; Miller; Robinson, Ebiye.
Rangers’ lineup is expected to maintain a balance between attack and defence, with Tavernier and Yilmaz providing width from the full-back positions. The midfield duo of Diomande and Barron will be crucial in controlling the tempo, while Lawrence’s creativity will be key in linking the midfield with the attack. Dessers, as the lone striker, will be relied upon to convert any chances that come his way.
Motherwell’s 3-5-2 formation is likely to focus on defensive solidity, with the wing-backs playing a crucial role in both defence and attack. Robinson and Ebiye will need to make the most of any counter-attacking opportunities, while the midfield trio will have the dual responsibility of protecting the defence and launching attacks.
Match Predictions
Best Bet: Rangers to Win at Half Time/Full Time
Rangers are under pressure to deliver a result, and with the home crowd behind them, they are likely to come out strong. Given Motherwell’s tendency to start slowly, Rangers could take an early lead and maintain it through the match. A half-time/full-time win for Rangers seems the best bet, especially given their need to bounce back from recent disappointments.
Correct Score Prediction: Rangers 2-0 Motherwell
Considering Rangers’ struggles in front of goal and Motherwell’s defensive resilience, a 2-0 victory for Rangers appears a plausible outcome. The home side are likely to dominate possession and create chances, but their inefficiency in front of goal may limit the scoreline. A clean sheet is also expected, given Motherwell’s limited attacking options.
Goalscorer Prediction: Cyriel Dessers to Score Anytime
Dessers is likely to be Rangers’ main goal threat, especially after his confidence-boosting goal against Dinamo Kyiv. Given his position as the focal point of Rangers’ attack, he should have multiple opportunities to find the net. Backing him to score anytime seems a logical choice.
Corner Prediction: Rangers to Win the Corner Count
Rangers’ dominance in possession and their tendency to create chances, even if not converted, often result in a high number of corners. Given their average of seven corners per game, they are likely to win the corner count against Motherwell, who will likely focus more on defending than attacking.
Innovative Market Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals in the Match
With both teams struggling in front of goal and likely to focus on defence, a low-scoring game seems probable. Betting on under 2.5 goals could offer value, as Rangers may struggle to break down a resilient Motherwell defence, while the visitors are unlikely to pose a significant threat to Rangers’ goal.
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