Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Rangersvs.Motherwell

sportsmole.co.uk, 8 August 2024, 17:02
Rangers are set to take on Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in the second matchday of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership campaign, both aiming to build early season momentum.

The hosts are eighth in the league after recording a draw on the opening day, while the visitors are also on one point and sit in seventh place.

Match preview

Since winning their first league title in 10 years with an unbeaten season in 2020-21, Rangers have frustratingly finished behind their bitter rivals Celtic in all of the following three seasons.

Hopes were high for Rangers going into the final stages of 2023-24 with Philippe Clement, who took over in October 2023, guiding the side to just two losses in his first 22 league matches in charge.

However, the Gers failed to win any of their final three games, allowing Celtic to overtake them and secure the top spot by the end of the regular season with a three-point lead.

Rangers fell further behind in the championship round, ending the season eight points behind Celtic with an overall points tally of 85, the lowest tally they have achieved since pre-covid.

Their poor form continued following the end of the league, losing 1-0 to Celtic in the Scottish Cup final before failing to win any of their pre-season fixtures, losing three and drawing one, and drawing in both of their competitive games to start the current campaign.

That streak leaves Rangers without a victory in eight games across all competitions, something that Clement will be desperate to put an end to in their first home game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell are also in search of their first win in the Scottish Premiership this year after they drew their opening fixture against Ross County last weekend.

Stuart Kettlewell, who has been in charge since February 2023, will be aiming for a much-improved performance this year with the Steelman experiencing a slide down the standings in recent seasons.

Since finishing fifth in 2021-22 with 46 points, Motherwell have gone on to place seventh in 2022-23, albeit with a higher points tally of 50, and ninth last term with 43 points.

Kettlewell's side have already shown signs of improvement since the conclusion of the last campaign, going unbeaten in normal time in all of their last eight matches across friendly and competitive competitions.

Motherwell have historically struggled in this fixture, winning just one of the past 21 meetings between the two sides, though that victory did come at the Ibrox Stadium in their most recent encounter.

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

Rangers form (all competitions):

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

Motherwell form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts will be without Nicolas Raskin for this match after he suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly defeat to Ajax in July, and the midfielder is not expected to return until September.

Oscar Cortes is also a doubt after the Lens loanee was forced off just after half time in their 0-0 draw with Hearts of Midlothian last weekend, leaving Rabbi Matondo or Vaclav Cerny as the most likely replacements.

Motherwell could be without up to five players for this match with Callum Slattery, Johnny Koutroumbis, Harry Paton, Sam Nicholson and Shane Blaney all suffering injuries in recent weeks.

Last year's top scorer Thelonius Bair left the club over the summer, leaving Kettlewell likely to rely on Zach Robinson and Moses Ebiye as his front two this season.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Davies, Yilmaz; Diomande, Barron; Wright, Lawrence, Matondo; Dessers

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Oxborough; Casey, Gordon, McGinn; O'Donnell, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Wilson; Miller; Robinson, Ebiye

We say: Rangers 2-0 Motherwell

Previews by email
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Stevenagevs.Shrewsbury
In the opening matchday of the 2024-25 League One season, Stevenage will play host to Shrewsbury Town at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday with both aiming to get off to a winning start.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Antalyasporvs.Goztepe SK
Antalyaspor welcome newly promoted Goztepe SK to the Antalya Stadium on Saturday in gameweek one of the 2024-25 Turkish Super Lig season.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brightonvs.Villarreal
Brighton & Hove Albion will be looking to make it a perfect pre-season when they round off their preparations for the 2024-25 campaign with a clash against Villarreal on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Ten Hag provides update on club's summer activity
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag refused to give too much away when questioned about the club's transfer plans during his press conference ahead of Saturday's Community Shield.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Reus to LA Galaxy, Trafford to Newcastle
Los Angeles Galaxy are reportedly set to announce the signing of former Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Man Utd
Manchester United could be without the services of six defenders for Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City, with decisions on four players set to be made on Friday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona 'refusing to give up' on deal for Euro 2024-winning star
Barcelona are reportedly 'refusing to give up' on a possible deal for Nico Williams despite Athletic Bilbao seemingly convincing the attacker to remain at San Mames.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dundeevs.Hearts
In the second game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Hearts will travel to the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park to face up against Dundee, with both teams searching for their first win.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Birminghamvs.Reading
Back in the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years, Birmingham City will commence their League One campaign as Reading visit St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Hamvs.Celta Vigo
West Ham United will conclude their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a friendly against Spanish outfit Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ross Countyvs.Dundee Utd
Ross County will take on newly promoted Dundee United at the Global Energy Stadium on Saturday, with both teams aiming to get their first win of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Man Utd
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could hand summer signing Joshua Zirkzee his debut in Saturday's Community Shield clash against rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Man Utd
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to make a late call on whether to select goalkeeper Ederson in his starting lineup for Saturday's Community Shield clash against rivals Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dortmundvs.Aston Villa
Both playing their final pre-season friendly this summer, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa meet at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villa transfer news: Feyenoord defender 'added' to summer shortlist
Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race for Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Man Utd
English football's annual curtain-raiser takes place under the famous arch of Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as rivals Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns for the chance to lift the 102nd Community Shield.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool transfer news: Reds scouts 'impressed' by £21m Serie A midfielder
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup this summer.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kasimpasavs.Konyaspor
Kasimpasa host Konyaspor in Saturday's Turkish Super Lig opener keen to start the new campaign positively at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leyton Orientvs.Bolton
Leyton Orient and Bolton Wanderers return to competitive action with their opening fixture in League One on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'want' to sell PSG-linked 24-year-old permanently this summer
Manchester United have reportedly reached a decision concerning the future of Paris Saint-Germain-linked Jadon Sancho.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Millwallvs.Watford
Millwall and Watford get their Championship campaigns underway with a showdown at The Den on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Oxford Utdvs.Norwich
Oxford United return to life in the Championship with a home encounter against Norwich City at the Kassam Stadium.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham 'increasingly confident' of completing club-record signing this summer
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly grown confident in their ability to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this summer.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Middlesbroughvs.Swansea
Middlesbrough and Swansea City get their seasons underway with a showdown at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Girona
Bournemouth will wrap up their preparations for the new Premier League season when they welcome La Liga side Girona to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Hull Cityvs.Bristol City
Hull City and Bristol City get their Championship campaigns underway with a meeting at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Blues confirm defender arrival before loan exit
Chelsea have announced the signing of Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino on a long-term contract.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
QPRvs.West Brom
Both aiming to start their 2024-25 schedules on a positive note, Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion will lock horns at Loftus Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Senior West Ham figure 'to undergo medical' ahead of Shabab Al-Ahli move
West Ham United captain Kurt Zouma is reportedly on the verge of completing a permanent move to UAE outfit Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Stokevs.Coventry
The opening weekend of the Championship season will include a battle for Midlands supremacy as Stoke City and Coventry City clash at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Napolivs.Modena
Kicking off the Antonio Conte era at Stadio Maradona, Napoli host Modena in the Coppa Italia first round on Saturday.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cardiffvs.Sunderland
Both looking to take the first step towards promotion to the Premier League, Cardiff City and Sunderland will clash at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Stockportvs.Cambridge
Back in the third tier for the first time in over a decade, Stockport County will be hoping to commence their 2024-25 League One schedule with a win against Cambridge United at Edgeley Park on Saturday evening.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool transfer news: Pursuit of Bundesliga striker to end in failure?
Liverpool are reportedly likely to miss out on the signature of Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolvesvs.Rayo Vallecano
Wolverhampton Wanderers will round off their preparations for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon.
8 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Exetervs.Rotherham
Following their relegation from the Championship last term, Rotherham United will kick off life back in League One with a trip to Exeter City in their curtain-raiser on Saturday.
Show more

Top News

26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two sides at opposite ends of the Turkish Super Lig table go head-to-head on Friday, as Bodrumspor look to boost their survival hopes while further denting Fenerbahce's title ambitions. 26 March 2025 talksport.com Footage has emerged showing Kylian Mbappe's reaction to France's clash with Croatia being delayed. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are allegedly ready to pay over the odds to try to win the race for an in-demand Bournemouth defender. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during this summer's transfer window. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid will be aiming to make it five straight wins in all competitions when they resume their La Liga campaign at home to Leganes on Saturday night. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio has allegedly now signed a new long-term contract at Bernabeu. 26 March 2025 talksport.com International football's biggest rivalry was reignited overnight, and it's fair to say that it didn't disappoint. 26 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest football news as domestic football makes a return this weekend. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Sporting Lisbon attacker Trincao this summer. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Victor Lindelof has suggested that he would be open to returning to Benfica when his Manchester United contract expires. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany believes that Pep Guardiola's side should look to sign a new right-back and left-back in the summer transfer window. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pundit Don Goodman has tipped Ipswich Town to make a move for Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku should they be relegated to the Championship. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Premier League stars Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister got on the scoresheet as Argentina celebrated their World Cup qualification with a dominant 4-1 victory over rivals Brazil. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has reportedly attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential summer move. 26 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea Women and Manchester City Women will complete their quadruple header when they face off in Thursday's Women's Champions League quarter-final second leg. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Highly-sought-after Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly ruled out a possible move to Nottingham Forest this summer. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk On Thursday, Barcelona Women will face Wolfsburg Women in the second leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-final tie. 25 March 2025 talksport.com There may be a sky full of stars at Wembley in September, but there will be a pitch full of stars two hours north. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Real Madrid will be a force to be reckoned with next season. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez will be fit for Thursday's rescheduled La Liga clash against Osasuna, although Pau Cubarsi faces a battle to prove his fitness in time for the home fixture. 25 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein could barely conceal his shock following a rather bold claim from co-host Darren Bent. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Southampton's Tyler Dibling could be at the centre of a transfer battle in the summer following reports that RB Leipzig have contacted the player's camp. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona will return to La Liga action for Thursday's rearranged meeting with Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has encouraged the Citizens to prioritise signing at least two "technically brilliant" midfielders in the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold is certainly not the first and won't be the last player to depart his boyhood club. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Contrary to rumours earlier this week, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has not stated he is unsettled at the club, according to a new report. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea are set to come up against a former player at this summer's World Cup who has a staggering trophy record as a coach. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Alisha Lehmann claims that online abuse remains an issue despite her ever-growing popularity. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Ally McCoist has omitted two of the Premier League's most celebrated stars from his all-time top three attackers from the division.