As Rangers fans, we’ve become accustomed to the roaring atmosphere at Ibrox, our fortress, where victories are forged and memories made. But with the temporary closure of our beloved home, we now find ourselves venturing into new territory: Hampden Park. Philippe Clement, our gaffer, has embraced this challenge, seeing it as an opportunity rather than a setback. And, as always, we stand behind him, ready to turn Hampden into our new fortress—at least for now.
Hampden Park: The Best of a Tricky Situation
When the news broke that Ibrox would be out of commission due to delays in refurbishing the Copland Road Stand, there were murmurs of concern among the support. Where would we go? Would it still feel like home? Clement, however, has put those fears to rest, declaring Hampden as the ideal alternative.
The gaffer’s involvement in the decision-making process shows his commitment not just to the team, but to us—the fans. “For me, it was the best scenario,” Clement stated. “Not only for the players but for sure the fans because we need to think about that and that was a priority for me.” And he’s right. Hampden keeps us in Glasgow, keeps us close to our roots, and most importantly, keeps us together. Imagine a sea of 50,000 blue jerseys filling Hampden, creating an atmosphere that rivals Ibrox on its best days. Clement knows the power of our support, and he’s counting on it.
On the Pitch: Team Predictions for Rangers v Motherwell
The game against Motherwell at Hampden isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s a fresh chapter in our season. With the manager hinting at a few changes in the lineup, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation.
Jefte: Pace, Crossing and Creativity on the Left
One of the standout performers from the Dynamo Kyiv match was Jefte. Coming on for Scott Wright, Jefte injected pace, creativity, and a much-needed spark into the left side. His chemistry with Ridvan Yilmaz was evident as they combined to neutralise the threats that had troubled us in the first half. It was a promising sign of what’s to come, and many of us are eager to see Jefte replicate that form against Motherwell.
Ross McCausland: Holding the Right Flank While Cerny Gets Fit
Ross McCausland also impressed mid-week. With Vaclav Cerny still regaining fitness after the Euros, McCausland has a real chance to stake his claim on the right wing. His first-half performance against Kyiv showed he has the skill and tenacity to make an impact. Expect Clement to give him at least the first 60 minutes against Motherwell to continue building his confidence and rhythm.
Midfield: Diomande to Stay Central
The midfield is where things get interesting. In an ideal scenario, we’d love to see Dujon Sterling partnering with Connor Barron, pushing Mohamed Diomande up into the 10 position. However, with Sterling nursing a slight muscle strain, it’s unlikely Clement will risk him in back-to-back games.
So, Diomande will likely remain in the middle, with Tom Lawrence continuing in the 10 role, just as he did against Kyiv. It’s a setup that worked OK, and can work against Motherwell.
A Debut for Robin Propper
The backline is where we might see the most significant change. Robin Propper is tipped to make his debut, coming in for Leon Balogun. While the idea of a Balogun/Propper partnership sounds mouth-watering, Clement will likely rest the veteran Balogun, opting instead for John Souttar to pair with Propper. It’s the pairing we think will become foundation for a new defensive partnership this season.
Rangers v Motherwell Team Prediction
GK: Jack Butland
RB: James Tavernier
CB: John Souttar
CB: Robin Propper
LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
CM: Connor Barron
CM: Mohamed Diomande
AM: Tom Lawrence
RW: Ross McCausland
LW: Jefte
FW: Cyriel Dessers
Ready to Make Hampden Our Temporary Home
As we prepare to face Motherwell at Hampden, there’s a sense of unity and determination growing among the squad and the fans. We might be away from Ibrox, but with Clement at the helm, and 50,000 of us in the stands, Hampden is set for the match. The gaffer has laid down the challenge, and now it’s up to us to rise to it—just as we always do.
So, let’s get ready to make some noise, back the Gers, and show everyone that wherever we play, we are Rangers, and we are unstoppable.
Here’s to a strange new chapter at Hampden and three points on Saturday. Mon the Gers!