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

Second-top meets second-bottom of the Scottish Premiership when Rangers visit Motherwell for a Christmas Eve clash at Fir Park.

While the Glasgow club closed to within two points of league leaders Celtic in midweek, the Well have waited 14 games for a win - and far longer to beat their visitors.

Match preview

Soon after Rangers picked up the first piece of silverware on offer in Scotland this season, edging out Aberdeen to lift the Viaplay Cup at Hampden, they were back in Premiership action on Wednesday.

James Tavernier's 14th goal of the campaign had sealed success in the cup final, and it was the Gers' captain that secured all three points against St Johnstone in midweek, when his late penalty followed a Cyriel Dessers opener.

Victory continued a remarkable upturn since Philippe Clement took charge at Ibrox, instigating a run of results that have not only seen Rangers lift the League Cup but also win their Europa League group and narrow the gap to city rivals Celtic.

With the next Old Firm derby set to end an eventful 2023 schedule, the Light Blues will aim to arrive at Parkhead having extended their current six-match winning run by taking care of both Motherwell and Ross County in the coming days.

Curiously, though, Rangers have actually lost each of their last three top-flight away games played on Christmas Eve - most recently to St Mirren in 2011 - and their last such win came back in 1949, with Partick Thistle their victims on that occasion.

Nonetheless, the Glasgow giants are unbeaten in 28 league visits to Fir Park stretching back over two decades, winning no fewer than 19 times in the process.

All told, Motherwell are winless in 56 league meetings with Rangers, against whom current boss Stuart Kettlewell has lost all seven of his previous matches.

His side finally picked up their first clean sheet since September on Saturday, holding St Mirren to a goalless stalemate - their fifth draw in seven outings.

Liam Kelly preserved a point by saving Mark O'Hara's penalty, but as they face four games over the festive period, the Steelmen will be eager to taste success after several weeks of waiting.

Motherwell travel to Aberdeen just after Christmas, then host Livingston and visit Hibernian in quick succession before the Premiership shuts up stop for its winter break.

However, they have failed to win any of their last seven home fixtures in the top flight, amid a run of six draws and eight defeats from their last 14 league outings. All of which leaves Kettlewell's men five points above rock-bottom Livingston, yet also just five adrift of seventh-placed Dundee.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

• L
• D
• D
• L
• D
• D

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

• W
• D
• W
• W
• W
• W

Rangers form (all competitions):

• W
• W
• W
• W
• W
• W

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Team News

Although Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes returns to the Rangers squad following a two-match suspension, Gers coach Philippe Clement will be without John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe, both of whom sustained injuries in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone.

Danilo and Tom Lawrence are ruled out until 2024, but Clement still has several alternatives available to replace two midweek starters: Todd Cantwell and Cyriel Dessers head the queue for selection on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Motherwell will be missing Lennon Miller, Pape Souare and Dan Casey, with the latter facing up to two months on the sidelines.

Although Calum Butcher's involvement is also doubtful, right-back Paul McGinn recently made his first appearance since October, having recovered from a broken cheekbone.

Top scorer Mika Biereth - on loan from Arsenal this season - is set to start up front for the hosts, but it remains to be seen whether fellow forward Jon Obika will be promoted from the bench.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; O'Donnell, Mugabi, Blaney; Spencer, Slattery, Zdravkovski, Paton, Gent; Obika, Biereth

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Barisic; Dowell, Cifuentes; McCausland, Cantwell, Sima; Dessers

We say: Motherwell 0-2 Rangers

Both current form and recent history suggests there can be only one winner at Fir Park in this festive fixture, and rejuvenated Rangers will show no mercy to their ailing hosts; keeping the pressure on faltering Celtic.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data

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