Rangers face Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday afternoon.
Steven Gerrard must prepare his Rangers squad for a quick turnaround as they face Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday at Fir Park, less than 72 hours after their 1-0 win over FC Ufa.
Connor Goldson’s strike proved the difference at Ibrox on Thursday night as the Gers closed in on qualifying for the Europa League group stages, with only a second leg against the Russian Premier League side standing in their way.
Gerrard must help his players rest and recover as quick as possible, with three crucial games in the space of a week. A trip to Motherwell will provide a physical test for Gerrard’s men on Sunday.
They then face Ufa in Russia on Thursday before the Old Firm derby at Parkhead next Sunday. Gerrard will be keen to get a win against Motherwell before looking to hold onto their lead against Ufa in Russia.
What the former Liverpool and England captain must also consider, though, is resting his players ahead of huge clash against Celtic. It is important that Gerrard finds the right balance between resting players and fielding a strong side.
Ovie Ejaria, on loan from Liverpool, featured for the entire 90 minutes against Ufa and has started the last five consecutive matches in the middle of the park and is in need of a rest.
Motherwell’s physicality should see him rested on the bench, replaced by the more robust Andy Halliday. Kyle Lafferty should also come in, giving Ryan Kent a well-deserved break.
At the back, Borna Barisic was ineligible on Thursday and he should return to take Jon Flanagan’s place on the left side of the defence. Here, we predict that Rangers will make three changes to the side that beat Ufa.
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