Rangers will look to get back on track domestically against Motherwell today with both sides enjoying mixed fortunes over the last week.
The Steelmen looked impressive at Pittodrie in a 3-0 hammering of Aberdeen last weekend only to lose by the same scoreline as they exited the Europa League against Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Steven Gerrard’s men will be on a high after beating Willem II 4-0 away from home but with Allan McGregor being man of the match, it’s fair to say that it was far from a routine victory.
He will want to freshen up his starting XI but with just three games to go until the next international break, he won’t want to tinker too much, and this is the line-up I’d go with to get all three points.
In goals, McGregor did enough to remind everyone that he remains the best keeper at the club, despite how impressive Jon McLaughlin has been and he should reclaim his place, the former likely to see a return when the domestic cup competitions start up, he could bring Leon Balogun into the heart of defence to give Filip Helander a rest but the big Swede has arguably been the most solid looking of the back four recently.
Does Jones deserve a run in the team?
Yes
No
Scott Arfield has been filling a hole in midfield and on Thursday night got through a power of running, with another hard shift against Galatasaray ahead this week, I’d expect him to get a rest – Steven Davis will be asked to empty the tank for at least the next couple of games before he will get similar treatment, unless the gaffer throws a curveball and puts either Balogun or George Edmundson in a defensive midfield role.
In attack, Jordan Jones had an impressive cameo against Willem II and reminded us all what he is capable of, his inclusion would allow Ianis Hagi to move to a more central position where his guile and creativity can have more of an impact.
As for a prediction, it helps that Motherwell also played in midweek and have had a long journey back to Scotland, if Rangers start fast and with a good tempo, it should be enough to take three points – a 2-0 win for Gerrard’s men with Hagi and Morelos getting the goals.