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Motherwell logo
Scottish Premiership Playoffs | Final
May 31, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Rangers logo

3-0

Johnson (52'), Ainsworth (70'), Sutton (93' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

Preview: Motherwell vs. Rangers

Sports Mole previews the second leg of the Scottish Premiership playoff final between Motherwell and Rangers.

Motherwell are 90 minutes away from retaining their place in the top flight after opening up a 3-1 advantage over Rangers in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership playoff final.

Goals from Lee Erwin, Stephen McManus and Lionel Ainsworth have put their side in full control, but Rangers have shown in the past that they are capable of producing their best form in adversity and won't consider themselves out of the tie until the full-time whistle.



Motherwell

Ian Baraclough of Scunthorpe United looks on before the FA Cup sponsored by Eon 3rd round match between Scunthorpe United and Everton at Glanford Park on January 8, 2011© Getty Images

After losing 15 of their 19 away games in the Scottish Premiership this season, Motherwell may have been feeling pessimistic ahead of their trip to Ibrox, but against the odds, they were able to produce their best performance of the season.

The 3-1 victory isn't a tie-winning scoreline just yet, but the Steelmen have put themselves in the driving seat for the match at Fir Park, where they boast a solid record over the course of the season.

Seven wins and five draws have been recorded since August, but more recently, Ian Baraclough's men have put together a seven-match unbeaten run with their last defeat coming back in February.

With the stakes so high, Baraclough won't be worried about complacency but he will stress the need for a fast start on Sunday afternoon to prevent Rangers sensing a comeback.

Motherwell will have to cope with the pressure that wasn't present in Glasgow, but with Rangers having struggled for goals in recent games, they will be aware that one goal may prove enough to put the tie out of their opponents' reach.

Recent form: LDWLDW



Rangers

Rangers manager Stuart McCall reacts during the Scottish Championship match between Hibernian and Rangers at Easter Road on March 22, 2015© Getty Images

After fighting past Queen of the South and Hibernian, Rangers would have been confident of another positive result heading into the first leg on Thursday night.

However, the occasion quickly turned into a nightmare for the club after they fell 3-0 down after 47 minutes, and although they managed to reduce the deficit, they have it all to do on Sunday afternoon.

The result is a huge blow for the club who are hoping to return to the top flight after a three-year absence, but they face the prospect of another 12 months away from renewing their rivalry with Celtic.

Manager Stuart McCall has done a solid job since his arrival at Ibrox, but such is the importance of promotion, his fate could rest on the result of the second leg.

Having scored just six goals in five playoff games, Rangers face a tough ask to win by two goals, but they will undoubtedly fight until the end to try to overcome opposition who hold all of the momentum heading into the contest.

Recent form: DWDWLL



Team News

Kris Boyd of Rangers controls the ball during the Scottish Championship League Match between Rangers and Dumbarton, at Ibrox Stadium on August 23, 2014© Getty Images

Barring any late injury issues, Baraclough has little reason to change a team that imposed themselves so impressively in the first 90 minutes of the tie.

As for Rangers, McCall could make a number of changes after the disappointment of seeing his team capitulate in front of their own supporters.

Striker Kris Boyd could be preferred in attack, but a record of just one goal in 19 appearances could count against him.

On-loan midfielder Shane Ferguson is another potential inclusion if the Gers boss decides to mix things up on the flank.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Long, Hammell, McManus, Ainsworth, Lasley, Law, Erwin, Johnson, Laing, Pearson, McDonald

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Bell; Foster, McGregor, Zaliukas, Wallace; Vuckic, Murdoch, Shiels, Law, Miller, Clark



Head To Head

Rangers hold the upper hand in the head-to-head record, with 183 wins being registered in 263 matches between the two clubs.

Motherwell have prevailed on just 37 occasions, while Thursday's contest was the first time that the teams had faced each other since a Scottish League Cup tie in 2012, which Rangers won by a 2-0 scoreline.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Motherwell 1-1 Rangers

Both teams will have to find the right balance between defence and attack during the opening stages at Fir Park, but with Motherwell having a wide cushion, they are well placed to capitalise on gaps in the Rangers defence and if they can net in the first 45 minutes, they should have enough to see out the tie.



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Rangers manager Stuart McCall reacts during the Scottish Championship match between Hibernian and Rangers at Easter Road on March 22, 2015
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