Rangers vs Motherwell LIVE as the Premiership action gets under way at Ibrox

Rangers v Motherwell - Scottish Premiership Preview - 26/4/26

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Rangers vs Motherwell LIVE as the Premiership action gets under way at Ibrox

Danny Rohl's men can get hit top spot, albeit possibly only for a brief spell, when they welcome the Steelmen

Rangers start the day in third place in the Scottish Premiership but could end it in any of the top three positions.

Danny Rohl will have the summit in his sights to kick off and to do that his Light Blues must beat Motherwell at Ibrox.

If they do that then they will be looking down on the rest, albeit possibly only for a short period with leaders Hearts in action against Hibs later in the day.

Wins for Rangers and the Jambos would see the Ibrox men in second place before they meet next Monday - but defeat for Rohl's men and they will remain in third.

That would be a frustrating scenario for those heading to Govan today for a sell-out clash against the Steelmen in the penultimate home game for Rangers of the season.

It was a campaign that got off to a dreadful start with Motherwell holding them to a draw at Fir Park but they are in a very different place under a new manager in Rohl who replaced axed Russell Martin.

The Lanarkshiremen were considered title contenders at one stage but their form has dipped. Can they recapture it today?

Rangers: Butland, Sterling, Fernandez, Djiga, Meghoma, Raskin, Chukwuani, Gassama, Aasgaard, Miovski, Chermiti Subs: Kelly, Souttar, Aarons, Tavernier, Diomande, Barron, Skov Olsen, Moore, Antman

Motherwell: Ward, O'Donnell, McGinn, Welsh, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt, Slattery, Sparrow, Just, Maswanishe Subs: Connelly, Gordon, McGhee, Nicholson, Priestman, Ross, Hendry, Charles-Cook, Said

Find out as we bring you all the build up, match action and reaction right here in our LIVE blog.

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Key Events

The Steelmen name their Ibrox XI

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Rangers team confirmed!

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Hello and welcome

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Marvin motto

Rangers fans have just unfurled a huge tifo of iconic ex-defender Marvin Andrews in the Copland Stand with his famous slogan 'Keep Believing' from their Helicopter Sunday title success of 2005.

The former centre-back was on the pitch to see it and looked quite emotional as it was being unveiled.

Rohl's current crop will certainly need belief if they're going to pull off this title triumph and just like 21 years ago, it could go right down to the wire.

Connor Barron warms up at Ibrox

Connor Barron prepares for Rangers clash with Motherwell.

The Scotland international starts from the bench as Danny Rohl continues with duo of Tochi Chukwuani and Nico Raskin.

Ibrox Ready

The atmosphere is definitely building in here ahead of kick-off. Fans were urged to arrive early to create noise and you can feel it 20 minutes before kick-off.

Similarly to what Celtic Park was like yesterday for their win over Falkirk, there's an air of anticipation, expectation and excitement about what can be achieved at the end of this title run-in.

Supporters have bought into retro shirt day with old-school flags and banners out in force. There has already been a loud rendition of James Tavernier's song when he emerged from the tunnel to warm-up.

Rangers' punters are clearly up for it. It's now up to Rohl's players to deliver a performance that matches that.

But they can take nothing for granted against a Motherwell side who have been terrific all season and will be determined to put a spanner in the works.

Hendry backs Well to sink Rangers title chances

Motherwell forward Callum Hendry believes his side can win their clash with title-chasing Rangers at Ibrox.

The striker, who is the son of former Rangers and Scotland defender Colin Hendry, feels his side are fully prepared for the clash despite a poor recent run of form.

It’s a big game; the boys are in a good place from training and we’re looking forward to it We’ve got to go and put in a performance and see how it goes, but there’s real excitement We absolutely believe we can win all five remaining games The manager instils that mentality every day, it’s always about winning the next game At this club it doesn’t matter the opposition, the aim is always to win

Rangers change up post-match routine

Rangers have confirmed there will be a change to the usual post-match routine at Ibrox following today’s fixture.

The club’s Supporter Liaison Officer has advised that the traditional player exit at the Copland Stand will not take place after the final whistle.

This is due to the squad travelling directly from the stadium to the Rangers Player of the Year Awards.

This means Gers supporters in attendance will not be able to grab their heroes for autographs and pictures as they normally can.

With a final home game still to be played with Hibs next month, supporters will still have a chance to say farewell to the team before the end of the season.

Engine room key for Steelmen

With Rangers only deploying two out-and-out central-midfielders in Nico Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani - Motherwell will look to exploit that and gain an advantage in the middle of the pitch.

It's been one of the strongest areas of their team this season and Jens Berthel Askou's side have always looked at their best when they've got Elliot Watt, Lukas Fadinger and Callum Slattery in there.

They'll look to outnumber Gers and dictate play, with all three players comfortable in possession. Slattery will be given licence to play further forward and support Tawanda Maswanhise.

Every game between these two clubs this term have been tight, with Well more than holding their own. But if they're going to leave Ibrox with a positive result, winning that midfield battle will be crucial.

Made for Miovski

The biggest headline from Rangers' team news isn't that departing skipper James Tavernier is having to settle for a place on the bench.

It's the fact that Danny Rohl has decided to throw Bojan Miovski up front with Youssef Chermiti as he reverts back to a more orthodox 4-4-2.

Last time out at Falkirk - without German striker Ryan Naderi - he opted for Thelo Aasgaard playing just off Chermiti in attack.

But here, it looks like the in-form Macedonian will be part of a proper twin strikeforce, which suits him, as they go for goals and a victory against Motherwell.

It's a blow that Mikey Moore is only fit enough to be a sub and it remains to be seen what side Aasgaard and Djeidi Gassama play on.

Either way, they'll be expected to provide the ammunition for Chermiti and Miovski up top.

Rohl praises Rangers' strength in depth

Danny Rohl has praised his Gers side’s comeback into the title race ahead of this afternoons huge bout with Motherwell at Ibrox.

The German’s side can retake the Premiership summit with a win, once again leapfrogging Old Firm rivals Celtic, who defeated Falkirk yesterday.

Their lead could last only hours however, with a crucial Edinburgh Derby between Hearts and Hibs later today.

We’ve worked really hard over the last weeks to reach this point and today is a big opportunity to start the split well We are well prepared, have belief in what we are doing, and want to bring that on the pitch with our fans The camp in Spain helped the group build momentum and togetherness Since returning to Glasgow it has been game by game, and everything is in our hands

Rohl has an almost full squad to pick from with only Tuur Rommens, Ryan Nadei and Bailey Rice still crocked.

He believes this depth will be crucial both today and in the title race.

A strong bench will be important in what he expects to be a very intense match Bojan (Miovski) is in form, Dujon Sterling returns, and Mikey Moore offers impact options The team must stay connected, calm in possession, and consistent at a high level The aim is to create a strong atmosphere and start it today with three points

Gassama makes rallying cry to Gers fans

Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama has called for the Ibrox supporters to back the team by creating an intimidating atmosphere as Motherwell head to Govan.

The Mauritania international starts for Rangers after a strong second half against Falkirk last time out.

He made a rallying cry ahead of the first post-split match.

We know Motherwell but at Ibrox we have to show it’s our stadium, our fans, not theirs. The competition in attacking areas is strong. Everyone is ready to start or come off the bench. We need the fans today and for the remaining games. We’ll respond on the pitch.

Gers supporters have arranged for a retro kit and flag day today at Ibrox to raise money for charity.

Rangers evens for three points and for title

Here are the latest odds ahead of Rangers vs Motherwell at Ibrox from Grosvenor Casino.

Rangers are priced at 1/1 to take all three points, with the draw at 5/2 and Motherwell 13/5 to spring an upset.

Looking at the wider Scottish Premiership title race, Rangers are also 1/1 to lift the trophy, with Celtic at 7/4 and Hearts 13/5.

Tavernier dropped after departure announcement

Rangers skipper James Tavernier dramatically announced he would be leaving the club after over a decade during the week.

As he prepares for his penultimate Ibrox matchday he will need to do so from the substitutes bench.

Head coach Danny Rohl has chosen to return Dujon Sterling to the starting XI ahead of the captain.

Tavernier conceded a penalty in the Gers 6-3 win over Falkirk two weeks ago.

His replacement missed out as Rohl did not want to risk him on the Bairns’ artificial surface.

Sterling does return after scoring in his previous appearance against Dundee United.

His return is one of two changes with Bojan Miovski getting his first start since a win over Kilmarnock in February to replace Mikey Moore.

Mystic Barry

Legendary Rangers captain and Record Sport columnist Barry Ferguson gave us his post split score predictions.

Rangers (P33, 69 points)

Motherwell (H) April 26: Let’s be clear, none of this is going to be stress free and that includes the first post match game against Motherwell. Yes, they may have tailed off a bit in recent weeks but if anything thinks this will be an easy home win they haven’t been paying attention. I do think, though, that Rangers will get the run-in off to a flyer.

Prediction: Rangers 3 Motherwell 1

Hearts (A) May 4: Tynecastle is a brilliant place to play and you just know the atmosphere is going to be red hot for this one. It would certainly tickle my fancy as a player. If Rangers stand up to the physical challenge then their quality should come through.

Prediction: Hearts 1 Rangers 2

Celtic (A) May 10: These are all massive games but this one if the biggest of them all. What gives me confidence is the second half performance from Rangers the last time they went to Parkhead. The opening 10 or 15 minutes are going to be tough but stay solid, stay focussed and you’ll get what you came for.

Prediction: Celtic 0 Rangers 1

Hibs (H) May 13: This will be another close one as Hibs have really picked up form over the last few weeks. But Ibrox is going to be bouncing with the team so close to the finishing line and it’ll be bedlam by the time the final whistle goes.

Prediction: Rangers 2-0 Hibs

Falkirk (A) May 16: I think Rangers will win this one too and they’ll make the trip having learned some lessons from playing there a couple of weeks ago when they started slowly and had to come back from two goals down. I would expect a totally different approach and mindset and a fifth win on the trot.

Prediction: Falkirk 0 Rangers 2

Total points - 15

The Steelmen name their Ibrox XI

Motherwell starting XI: Ward, O'Donnell, McGinn, Welsh, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt, Slattery, Sparrow, Just, Maswanishe

Subs: Connelly, Gordon, McGhee, Nicholson, Priestman, Ross, Hendry, Charles-Cook, Said

Rangers team confirmed!

Rangers Starting XI: Butland, Sterling, Fernandez, Djiga, Meghoma, Raskin, Chukwuani, Gassama, Aasgaard, Miovski, Chermiti

Subs: Kelly, Souttar, Aarons, Tavernier, Diomande, Barron, Skov Olsen, Moore, Antman

Celtic loanee taunts Gers

Motherwell's on loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh sent a taunting message to Rangers supporters via his Instagram account this morning.

The 26-year-old posted a preview of today's titanic clash at Ibrox earlier today. It featured the defender holding up a finger to his lips to silence the home crowd.

Welsh scored a late leveller last time the teams met at Fir Park as the Jens Berthel Askou's ten-men stunned the Ibrox side to earn a 1-1 draw.

Rangers close in on record

Rangers are closing in on a unique Scottish football record after reaching 21 different goalscorers this season following Dujon Sterling's header against Dundee United.

This is a tally they share with Celtic sides from 2016, 2021 and 2024, as well as a Rangers team from 2002.

If any of John Souttar, Nasser Djiga or Connor Barron net either today or before the campaign ends, this current side will set the record for the most different scorers in a single season this century.

Rangers have had nine different scorers in their recent run of four straight wins following the 2-2 draw with Celtic in early March.

Got two minutes? Game On!

The Record Sport team discussed James Tavernier's legacy and other talking points from Scottish football and beyond in the latest episode of Game On.

Flags and banners all around Ibrox

Rangers supporters group 'The Copeland Collective' have issued a calling cry for the home supporters to show their support for their 'Retro Shirt Day' against Motherwell today.

The event is in memory of the late former Gers kit-man Jimmy Bell and donations are being taken to support the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation.

The group posted a message on their X account.

Wear your retro shirt. Fly your flags. Bring the noise

The Union Bears have also made a calling for fans to bring their flags and banners to today's tie.

For this crucial match, the Union Bears are asking all RSCs to bring flags and add colour across the stadium. A tifo will be displayed in the Copland, so please place flags in the other stands where possible. Supporters are also encouraged to be in their seats by 2:30pm to help build the atmosphere and back the team.

This message comes just days after Celtic refused to issue away tickets for the upcoming Old Firm derby after Rangers refused to comply with their request that no away tickets be given to the ultras group.

Ibrox gears up

The stakes couldn't be higher and the buzz is felt outside Ibrox.

Home fans know Motherwell are a proper outfit and a performance of intent is a must.

No Rangers return for Rommens today

There is no return expected for Rangers’ injured duo of January signings, with Tuur Rommens and Ryan Naderi both still out of action this afternoon.

Danny Rohl dashed supporter hopes of a quick return for the pair after they were both spotted training with the Gers in Spain.

The German boss did reveal that the Belgian full back could return ahead of their seismic trips to Tynecastle and Celtic Park but that Naderi would take a little while longer.

For the weekend, they are not available but it looks very positive for the next four games after that. Tuur looks great but it’s just about timing now and starting to train with the team. I’m more surprised with Ryan because he looks really well at the minute. That gives me a positive feeling. I don’t know exactly when he’ll be back but it could be sooner than we expected. The hope is bigger than 10 days ago.

Mercedes Jens revved up to prove credentials

Hugh Keevins has seen a major Motherwell drop off and questions why Jens Berthel Askou should be considered a future Celtic manager.

Every post-split fixture is like a bullet being placed in the chamber. An invitation, unless you’re careful, to blow away your chance of winning the Premiership title. In the case of Rangers’ head coach Danny Rohl at Ibrox today, a game of Russian Rohlette, you might say. And a match not without significance, either, for visiting Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou. I can still vividly remember the radio call from earlier in the season, because of the dramatic nature of the language used by an animated listener. “I beg the Celtic board to appoint Askou as our new manager,” said the man on the line. Would that supporter use the same terminology today? It would be stretching credulity to say there’s as much riding on this afternoon’s game at Ibrox for the Dane as there is for Rohl. A potential league title win means the pursuit of a place in Europe pales into insignificance by comparison. But, in a managerial world were reputations rise and fall based on public opinion, Askou’s popularity rating could do with a boost. There was a time when, for instance, Motherwell were spoken of as being the fourth team in a quadruple challenge for the championship. Not any more, based on a statistical drop off suffered of late. The story then became the one about Motherwell being king-makers. They wouldn’t win the title but could largely determine who did take the top prize, based on the results Rangers, Hearts and Celtic got against them. That suggestion will be examined for authenticity this afternoon when Askou’s side play a Rangers side refreshed after their warm weather training camp in Marbella. Motherwell are now preoccupied with holding off Hibs and guaranteeing a fourth-place finish in the league table that comes with the certainty of a place in Europe next season. The Lanarkshire club might have had five players in PFA Scotland’s Team of the Year but that won’t matter if, ultimately, the Fir Park side ends up fifth in the Premiership. A non-vintage Premiership at that. And since when was fifth place in the table a reason to suggest the manager should be considered for the job of replacing Martin O’Neill at Celtic Park? If anything was learned from the fiasco that was the appointment of Wilfried Nancy at Celtic last November it was the need for a heavily- scrutinised examination of the next man’s credentials for getting the job on a permanent basis. Nancy was hopelessly under-qualified and transparently ill-equipped for the task he was given. And you could safely say it showed in the short term, as opposed to the long run, since he only lasted 33 days before having to be dismissed. Askou is always being credited with having a strong interest in getting the Celtic job. That being the case “Mercedes Jens,” as I christened him in brighter times, needs to put his foot down to the floor and have a big finish to the season. And the quickest way to enhance his reputation in the eyes of the Celtic fans would be to begin by disrupting Rohl’s standing in the estimation of the Rangers support.

Askou delivers blueprint for Ibrox success

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou delivered the blueprint that his team need to follow to get a result at Ibrox today - but added they might need the match officials to get the big decisions right as well.

Well have drawn twice with Rangers at Fir Park this season and came very close to getting another point in Govan when they lost 1-0 in December.

Motherwell midfielder Lukas Fadinger appeared to be tripped in the box by Emmanuel Fernandez in stoppage time but referee David Dickinson waved play on and the VAR team saw nothing conclusive in the footage available to them.

Scottish Football Association head of referees Willie Collum later admitted that Motherwell's own footage from a different angle lent weight to their calls for a penalty.

When asked what his side needed to do to get on the right side of the result, Askou said:

First of all, we have to basically finish off our attacks. We've done so many things right in many of our games, especially recently, but also against Rangers. We need to get that right. Another thing that you need to get right against Rangers is you have to deal with the extreme pressure on set-plays. They're so good at it. You need to make sure that the game doesn't open up too much going back and forward, back and forward, because they have a lot of athletic players with individual quality like (Djeidi) Gassama and Mikey Moore, and other players as well, who can hurt you when they get big spaces to attack. And so you need to have a decent amount of control in the game. And then when the game opens up, you need really good individual quality in the defensive actions. But also when you get the opportunity to open up the other way, you need to take the chances because they will also come. And then obviously score on your chances when they come. And then I hope that Wardy (goalkeeper Calum Ward) will have as good a day this time as he had last time where he was absolutely outstanding. You need that too. And then when there is a penalty, then hopefully we'll get that this time.

Gers pod

The Record Sport team sat down earlier this week to discuss all the major talking points from Ibrox in the latest Record Rangers podcast.

We Tav to send him away a title winner - Rohl

Danny Rohl says Rangers are hell-bent on giving James Tavernier the send-off he deserves with an Ibrox title party.

The skipper announced he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season after an incredible 11-year stint. Rohl hailed the outgoing captain as a Rangers legend. But now he wants to ensure Tavernier gets to say goodbye to fans in the best way possible - by getting his hands on the Premiership trophy.

The right-back is the last remaining player at Ibrox from their last title win when Steven Gerrard led them to glory in 2021. Rohl’s side are currently one point behind leaders Hearts with five games left and face Motherwell in Govan today.

The German insists Tavernier’s imminent departure won’t distract them from their title bid. Instead, he says they’re determined to see the 34-year-old leave as a champion.

With such memories at this club, it’s a big one and big news. For us, for the club, for the fans, for everyone. Since I’ve been here, James has been a good captain for us. He has led the group, on and off the pitch. I was always in conversation with him because we have a good relationship. He’s made the final decision for him. He’s a legend of the club and he’s had an amazing career here. He saw all the good moments and also some not so good moments. But hopefully at the end of the season, he can see again a beautiful moment. We were very clear in our process - if the time was right we would speak about him. He gave me the information before it came out which was very fair from him. He spoke to the group and the most important thing now is we have 21 days to go, five games and we must focus on those five games so he can have an incredible goodbye which he deserves. It’s important for me and the group that we focus on what happens now. Big players should have a big goodbye. And the biggest goodbye would be to go with a title. Tav has seen so many different pictures here, eight managers I think. There comes a point when you have to make a decision as a player. And I give him a compliment by saying he has made it for himself and isn’t waiting. That’s also what I want to see on the pitch, players who are proactive and don’t wait. He’s very clear and is so committed to what we want to do this season. He’s a great person. You can bring him on to the pitch for three minutes of 90 minutes, it doesn’t matter. He understands the game and this club. He has a relationship with all the people here so the building will miss him. But in the next few weeks, we still have him here and that’s a good thing. In the last couple of weeks he has helped the group a lot. Now, we want to help him have a goodbye.

Hello and welcome

Good afternoon everyone - we are in for a mouthwatering day of top flight action, kicking off in sunny Govan where Motherwell are the visitors.

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