As the Steelmen ready themselves for Sunday’s semi-final showdown with Rangers, we take a look ahead to one of the biggest games of the 2017/18 campaign so far.
Six games, 18 goals, ten different goal scorers and hard-work and determination have led Stephen Robinson’s side to the last four of the league cup, with one hurdle separating the Fir Parkers from the final.
It will be a second encounter with Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers outfit this term following the narrow 2-1 loss on the opening game of the league campaign.
And with just a point separating the Ibrox outfit in third from Motherwell in fourth, Sunday’s encounter will be a hard-fought encounter between the two clubs.
However, with a lot of attention building around the Rangers camp, Robinson’s men have been billed as somewhat underdogs this weekend.
But no one is writing off the Fir Parkers, and Robinson revealed the mentality among his squad on the build-up to the match in Glasgow.
“I don’t think you can play it down, it’s a big game for us and it’s one that we’re very much going to enjoy and we’ll enjoy the occasion,” the manager said.
“Playing-wise, I’ve never enjoyed a game that I’ve lost so our intention is to go there and make sure that we come out with a result.”
He added: “It would be huge for the football club because there have been a lot of years that we’ve spent fighting relegation and that’s all the fans have looked forward to.
[pullquote]Playing-wise, I’ve never enjoyed a game that I’ve lost so our intention is to go there and make sure that we come out with a result.[/pullquote]
“So a trip to Hampden, which we’re hoping to make sure isn’t the last one of our season, will hopefully give [the supporters] something to really shout about.
“Rangers are a big club with some big players, but we’ll concentrate very much on ourselves.”
And skipper Carl McHugh echoed his manager’s sentiments, admitting the progress at Motherwell this term has come from hard work.
The Irishman spoke to the press at Hampden ahead of the showdown with Rangers, and the captain admitted he “can’t wait” to vie for a place in the final.
But he also added that him and his teammates are making sure to take one game at a time, with the focus now fully on Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers.
He said: “We’re all looking forward to it now and we’ve worked hard to get this far in the cup. It all started back here [at Hampden] in the group stages so we can’t wait to get going.
“It’s been a positive atmosphere [among the squad] and we’re on the back of a few good results and that’s what we’ve done well this year – just taken it one game at a time.”
He added: “We’ve got full belief in ourselves and we know how we play, we know what we’re good at and everyone in the squad and at the club works hard from top to bottom and that’s been what’s got us our success this season – we just have to keep going and take it one game at a time.”
Robinson will have a near full strength squad to pick from on Sunday, with Ellis Plummer and George Newell likely to be the only two struggling for fitness.
Pedro Caixinha is also close to having a fully fit first-team squad – with Lee Wallace and Jordan Rossiter close to returning from long-term injuries, whilst Niko Kranjcar, Danny Wilson and David Bates all returned to training for the Ibrox outfit recently. Kenny Miller could also be set for a return.
Rangers V Motherwell | |
Sunday 22nd October 2017 | |
2.30pm | |
Hampden Park, Glasgow | |
On sale from the Fir Park ticket office. |
Prices
Motherwell FC has been allocated over 10,000 seats with the option for more if required, with prices set at:
East Stand
Adults: £25
Concessions*: £10
Wheelchair User Adult: £10
Wheelchair User Concession: £5
South Stand
Lower Section J1: £35
Lower Section I: £30
Wheelchair User Adult: £15
Wheelchair User Concession: £5
*Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Under 16s.
Hospitality packages are now SOLD OUT.
Ticket office opening hours
Friday: 9-4
Saturday: 10-2
If you can’t make it tomorrow, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC
You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.