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Rangers lie in wait for Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday in the Ladbrokes Premiership, as they return to league action after facing Porto in Europe on Thursday night.

Here’s the lowdown on our opponents.

The story so far

Sitting joint top of the Premiership with Celtic, Steven Gerrard’s side are second solely on the count of scoring one goal less than Celtic. They are also in the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup, where they will face Hearts on 3 November.

In Europe, they’ve won seven from 11 UEFA Europa League matches and drawn three, with the latest draw coming in an impressive 1-1 draw at Porto on Thursday night.

Form guide

With seven league wins from nine, Gerrard’s men are in ominous form.

In all competitions, they’ve won nine of their last 10 matches at Ibrox, with their only blip coming in the 2-0 derby loss to Celtic in September.

Their last domestic result was a 1-1 draw at Hearts last weekend.

How they shaped up last time

Three to watch

Nikola Katic

An integral part of the Rangers defence, Croatian internationalist Nikola Katic has built on the momentum from his strong finish to the 2018-19 season with some excellent displays at the beginning of the new campaign.

Katic was recently rewarded with an extended contract until the summer of 2023 and speaking afterwards Gers boss Steven Gerrard hailed the 23-year-old as a player willing to put his body on the line for the cause.

After having to watch on from the bench as Rangers earned a point against Porto on Thursday, Katic will be determined to return to the starting-eleven as the Ibrox side return their attentions to domestic matters against ‘Well.

Ryan Jack

Another player celebrating a new deal at Ibrox is Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack, who this week put pen to paper on a contract extension that will see him remain with Rangers until 2023.

A leader in the middle of the park, Jack is closing in on 100 appearances in light blue after joining the club from Aberdeen in the summer of 2017 and has almost been a mainstay in the team since the arrival of Steven Gerrard one year later.

Jack is second in the Scottish Premiership when it comes to progressive passing accuracy and he averages more attempted passes than any other player in the league.

Alfredo Morelos

On the back of scoring yet another goal in the Europa League, the hype surrounding Alfredo Morelos has rarely been higher.

The Colombian took his goal brilliantly midweek and has been in fantastic form so far this season – netting 16 times in 21 appearances.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson will be well aware of the importance of how important shutting out Morelos will be if his side are to upset the odds and leave Govan with a result on Sunday. The striker has scored on both occasions he has come up against Motherwell at Ibrox and will be determined to put the Steelmen to the sword again when the teams clash on Sunday.

Stephen Robinson discussed the forthcoming clash with Rangers, the loss to Aberdeen and the difference between home and away form with the broadcast media on Thursday.

Here’s what he had to say.

On defeat to Aberdeen

“Of course we were extremely disappointed. It was a an opportunity to maybe put a little bit of distance between us and Aberdeen.

“People get frustrated. They voice their opinions. The problem is when expectations are risen, which they have massively, when you do lose then the downside of it is that the the criticism is harder.

“But if you want to be up there and you want to be in the top reaches of the league you have to deal with that.

“The players have to deal with that. I’ve warned them time and time again not to read social media and to concentrate on what we’re doing. Keep improving, keep learning and see where it take us.

“Everyone’s dictated to by results. We get beat, we are rubbish. We win, we are brilliant.

“That’s not the way I look at it. There’s lots of good positive aspects from that performance and we have to take the positive aspects and tighten up in the bits we got punished for.”

On facing Rangers

“There’s what you’re in football for. To go to Ibrox and Celtic Park and big venues like that in front of 50,000-60,000 people.

“It gives people an opportunity. Every game gives you an opportunity to express yourself. Show how good a player you are.

“Hopefully we can go and perform. We’ve been there a couple of times. I’ve got results in the past with teams. I’ve had bad experiences there as well. So we need every single player at the top of their game.

“Last week we had four or five. I thought the boys on international duty came back a little bit jaded. A little bit sluggish. We need to be right at the top of our game to make sure we get something out of it.”

On positive away form

“We’ve had a terrific away record. You know we hit teams on the counter, with a lot of pace. All of the forward players have got a lot of pace and it causes teams problems.

“We’ve struggled a little bit more at home because teams have come in and sat in. It’s very difficult to break teams down and teams have done that.

“We have to be clever of that at home. But certainly we go with a lot of confidence away from home.”

A trip to Ibrox to take on Rangers lies in wait on Sunday.

With Steven Gerrard’s side in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday night, the first trip to Glasgow of the season has been put back 24 hours. Kick off is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s second versus third, with Rangers losing top spot over the weekend as Celtic beat Ross County, and they drew 1-1 at Hearts.

That draw ended a run of four straight wins on league business, allowing Celtic to jump ahead on goals scored.

Motherwell’s 3-0 home loss to Aberdeen at the weekend chipped away at the advantage held in third spot, with Aberdeen now just a point behind.

Nevertheless, the Steelmen have still won five of their last seven league outings.

Head to head

Rangers have won three of the last five encounters between the two sides, with two high-scoring draws at Fir Park making up the other results.

Motherwell’s last league point at Ibrox was gained back in April 2017, with Louis Moult netting early in a 1-1 draw.

The Steelmen’s last victory in the south side of Glasgow of course came in May 2015, with Lee Erwin, Stephen McManus and Lionel Ainsworth netting in the 3-1 Premiership play-off victory.

Ticket information

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office, and must be purchased in advance.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

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Sam Cosgrove, Niall McGinn and Zak Vyner score in a 3-0 win for the visitors.

“We got punished for mistakes. But we are still third and we will pick ourselves up again.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to Motherwell’s defeat to Aberdeen, as the Steelmen lose out 3-0.

Motherwell passed up the chance to strengthen their grip on third place as Aberdeen eventually cruised to a comfortable win to haul themselves to a point behind the Fir Park men.

With the Dons sitting fourth, the Steelmen were aiming to increase the gap between themselves and Derek McInnes’ men.

However, an early goal from Sam Cosgrove and a quick double from Niall McGinn and Zak Vyner at the start of the second half killed off the home side’s ambitions.

It might have been so different had Liam Donnelly been free of suspension as in the early stages, his presence was missed at both ends.

Within five minutes his deputy penalty taker James Scott failed to score from the spot.

Then 10 minutes later and with Peter Hartley off receiving treatment, Aberdeen exploited the defensive gap to take the lead and the initiative.

In an otherwise unchanged ‘Well line-up, Chris Long was rewarded with a starting place, following his goal after coming off the bench against St Mirren.

In an explosive start Joe Lewis was the first ‘keeper in action, firmly holding James Scott’s curling drive from 18 yards.

The Dons’ keeper was in the thick of the action a minute later. Under pressure from Sherwin Seedorf, Shay Logan was short with his pass back.

With Long racing to intercept, Lewis’ attempt at clearing the ball only succeeded in bringing down the ‘Well striker and concede a penalty.

James Scott’s effort had power and height, but Lewis redeemed himself with a sensational one handed save to turn the ball onto his bar and over.

James Wilson then tested Mark Gillespie with a powerful drive from 30 yards, which the ‘Well ‘keeper comfortably beat away from his goal.

A minute later a similar thumping effort from Wilson crashed off Peter Hartley’s head forcing the ‘Well captain off the field for treatment.

Unable to continue and before Bevis Mugabi could take his place, Aberdeen had punished the 10 men to open the scoring.

Cosgrove powered his way beyond Barry Maguire and into the penalty box before deftly clipping the ball over Gillespie and under the bar for a terrific finish.

Despite the setback the Fir Park side remained composed as they faced the prospect of breaking through the Dons’ five man defensive wall.

In the 21st minute the home side came close to the equaliser when Long nipped in front of Lewis at the corner of the six yard box but from a very tight angle he rattled the ball off the outside of the ‘keeper’s post.

Seven minutes later Cosgrove almost produced a copy of his opener. This time, though, Declan Gallagher matched his run into the box before his timely tackle deprived the Dons’ striker of the ball.

Although tight at the back, Aberdeen’s distribution from defence was sloppy and ‘Well enjoyed plenty of possession in the middle of the park – but half-time arrived with no real pressure on Lewis’ goal.

The Dons were perfectly placed for the second half, tightly holding onto their lead with the prospect of sneaking a second on the break as ‘Well pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

And the second goal duly arrived eight minutes into the half – as ‘Well contributed to their own downfall.

A series of short passes 50 yards from their own goal culminated in McGinn robbing Alan Campbell and the Northern Ireland international made the most of the chance by curling a stunning effort high beyond Gillespie’s reach and into the ‘keeper’s left hand corner.

A couple of minutes later Jermaine Hylton replaced Scott but by then the Pittodrie side and their fans were on song and on their way to a comfortable win.

As ‘Well wilted Zak Vyner hit a low 25 yards drive ball in off the bottom of the post to make it 3-0 and literally wrap up the points.

On the hour mark Barry Maguire made way for Devante Cole who arrived in time to see Liam Polworth drive a long and powerful effort just wide of goal.

Polworth then slipped the ball through to Long who turned McKenna at the edge of the box only to fire over the crossbar.

From the other corner of the penalty box Hylton fed the ball to Long and although his angled drive was on target it was a comfortable save for Lewis.

The Steelmen kept plugging away and ten minutes from time Cole got the better of McKenna at the edge of the six yard area to turn and force a shot which was blocked by the ‘keeper.

It was then Gillespie’s turn to produce a fine save low to his left, to deny Vyner a second goal.

Not to be outdone, Lewis was at full stretch to push away Cole’s angled drive, as the goalmouth action continued until the final whistle.

Aberdeen are Saturday’s visitors to Fir Park, as third-placed Motherwell take on the fourth-placed Dons in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Here’s the lowdown on our opponents.

The story so far

Fourth in the league with eight games played, on paper Aberdeen are sitting strong, even if recent results of late have dipped.

Injuries and suspensions are starting to rack up. Lewis Ferguson and Curtis Main miss Saturday’s match through suspension, after picking up red cards in their last match with Hibernian.

Midfielders  Funso Ojo, Craig Bryson and Stephen Gleeson have been out injured, although the latter two have stepped up their recoveries. Ash Taylor also remains out, as does Scott Wright.

Form guide

Aberdeen have won one of their last five, with a 2-0 win at Livingston putting a positive result in their run.

Home draws with Hibernian and St Johnstone have also been picked up. Cup defeat to Hearts on penalties, and a 5-0 loss at Rangers in the league, make up their last five.

How they shaped up last time

Lewis Ferguson and Curtis Main will definitely be missing from the team which drew 1-1 with Hibernian last time out.

Three to watch

Joe Lewis

A mainstay between the sticks for the Dons so far this season, Joe Lewis will be looking to go one better than last season in which he played in all but one of Aberdeen’s 38 Scottish Premiership fixtures.

Committing his future by signing a new five-year contract during the summer, the 32-year-old has set his sights on winning silverware with the Reds.

Lewis has already accumulated three clean sheets in league action so far, though he’s had to pick the ball out on the net on 10 occasions – a figure inflated by the five goals conceded in the heavy defeat to Rangers – the first time the former Cardiff keeper has conceded five goals in his time with the Reds.

Ryan Hedges

After helping Barnsley earn promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last season, winger Ryan Hedges opted to turn down a new deal with the Oakwell side and instead opted to join Aberdeen on a three-year contract.

The Welsh international got off to a great start when he came off the bench to net the winner against Hearts on his Scottish Premiership debut and he’s added further goals against Ross County and St Johnstone.

Hedges has won three caps for his country and his most recent appearances was also his first start for Wales – winning the man-of-the-match award in a 1-0 success over Trinidad and Tobago.

Sam Cosgrove

There can be little doubt that Aberdeen would be much worse off without the goals of Sam Cosgrove.

The former Carlisle striker has netted 14 times in 15 appearances so far, including a Europa League hat-trick against FC Chikhura Sachkhere. He carried his scoring streak form into the league fixtures and has scored half of the Dons’ 10 league goals.

It’s been the perfect response to the critics who jumped on his slow start to his career with Aberdeen. After failing to score in his first 16 appearances there were suggestions that the powerful forward wasn’t capable of making the step up.

Those doubts have been well and truly put to bed now as his next 43 matches have brought an incredible 35 goals – an average of a goal every 110 minutes.

Stephen Robinson spoke to the broadcast media on Friday, ahead of the clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

The Motherwell boss talked about the international break, Declan Gallagher’s form and the challenge Aberdeen will pose.

On the international break

“I think that it was seven or eight [players] away, which is hard to work with at times.

“But we’ve got so many good young players at the club. It gives them a chance to be up with the first team and you know, you’re starting to get to know the boys that are 15 and 16 and that are in on day release from school as well.

“And they are training with people like Peter Hartley, you know, so it’s real experience for them. So, yeah, yu can’t do loads of tactical work, but you can certainly bring the club together.”

On Declan Gallagher’s call-up for Scotland

“Really pleased for him. I think he thoroughly deserved it.

“He’s been a real standout performer for us this season and he’s worked very very hard. You know, he’s come in and he’s improved and I think he’s got better and better with each game.

“He’s taken more and more responsibility and he’s becoming a complete player at our level so he’s got his just rewards.

“He didn’t get game time, but that’s just the start. You know, he’s got his call-up. And what he has to do is keep working harder, keep improving and he will be on Steve’s radar.

On the form so far

“I think we’ve got a driven squad of players. We are very young and very much a work in progress.

“We won’t get too carried away with what we’ve done. It’s eight games into the season.

“We’ve started well. I think we can continue to improve, you know, if we can put a full 90 minutes of the quality that we seen against St Mirren, we will be a decent side. But we are yet to do that, so we’re still trying to achieve that.

“I think Aberdeen are a very good side. They’ve got a very good coaching staff in Derek and Tony as well.

“It’s third versus fourth at the moment. It’s only eight games as I said, the league table doesn’t matter too much at the moment, but it’s a test for us. A real test for us.

“We’ve been very good lately and you know, we’ll have the rise to that occasion again and match the physical element Aberdeen bring with it as well, and then try and take the game to them.

“I don’t think it’s just Aberdeen we have to beat. A win for us at this stage of the season, and to stay up in the top regions of the league, is vitally important for us. But I won’t read too much into it all of a sudden we if we manage to beat Aberdeen and then say ‘we’re definitely going to finish third’.

“That’s not the way we look at it. We try and build each week, each game try and keep improving.”

On injuries in the camp

“We’ve got a couple of knocks and bruises, which is always a danger when you run with such a small squad that we have.

“Mark O’Hara and Jake Carroll both are maybe struggling a little bit for tomorrow. It may come again too soon for them. They picked up little niggles during the international break.

“Obviously Charles Dunne, David Turnbull, David Devine are the long-term injuries, and Liam Donnelly is suspended. So we’re down to the bare bones, so to speak, and everyone will be utilised in the squad tomorrow.

On competition for places

“I genuinely believe there’s still a lot more to come, especially from our forward players.

“I think probably for the first time this week, I could probably start both wide players if I chose to.

“Obviously James Scott playing in that area of the pitch scored a wonder goal the other week. So now I’ve got real competition.

“I think before that I could only start either Sherwin or Jermaine, because I didn’t think they could give me 90 minutes.

“Now I think we’re getting to that stage and we’ve used the international break really well to get to that stage. So we’ve got some difficult team selections now to come.”

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