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Motherwell are set to take on Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM UK time in the second Scottish League Cup semi-final. With a spot in the final at stake, the Steelmen aim to secure their first appearance in the final since 2017, while Rangers look to defend their title after their triumph last season.

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Match Significance

Motherwell have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 season, currently sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership. They have rebounded from recent defeats to Dundee and Celtic with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Dundee United. This will be Motherwell’s first semi-final appearance in this competition since they overcame Rangers 2-0 in 2017, a game they will look to replicate as they chase their first League Cup win since 1951.

For Rangers, this match holds added significance. Manager Philippe Clement faces pressure after a mixed start to the season, and reports indicate that the outcome could influence his future at the club. Currently trailing the top two in the league by nine points, Rangers need a strong performance to reassure their supporters. Despite their recent struggles, Rangers have been dominant in this fixture, winning seven of their last eight meetings with Motherwell, including a narrow 2-1 victory earlier this season.

Team Analysis

Motherwell

Manager Stuart Kettlewell has seen his team show resilience this season, but injuries pose a significant challenge. Up to six key players, including Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Jack Vale, Paul McGinn, Ross Callachan, and Sam Nicholson, are expected to miss out. Despite this, the Steelmen’s recent 2-1 victory over Dundee United has provided a boost in confidence. Tawanda Maswanhise, who scored in that win, will be expected to lead the attack alongside Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. The defence, marshalled by Dan Casey, will need to be at its best to contain Rangers’ potent attack.

Rangers

Rangers come into this match with injury concerns of their own. Danilo, Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo, and Ridvan Yilmaz remain sidelined, while Vaclav Cerny’s availability is doubtful after missing the midweek defeat to Aberdeen. Cerny’s absence would be significant, as he has contributed six goals and three assists in 15 appearances this season. James Tavernier’s leadership and set-piece prowess will be crucial, while Cyriel Dessers is expected to lead the line, supported by Tom Lawrence and Dapo McCausland.

Predicted Lineups: Motherwell (3-5-2): Oxborough; O’Donnell, Balmer, Casey; Kaleta, Miller, Wilson, Seddon; Sparrow; Stamatelopoulos, Maswanhise

Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Kasanwirjo; Barron, Raskin; McCausland, Lawrence, Bajrami; Dessers

Key Players to Watch

For Motherwell, Tawanda Maswanhise will be the player to watch as he aims to replicate his recent goal-scoring form. In defence, Dan Casey’s organisational skills will be pivotal in staving off Rangers’ attack.

For Rangers, captain James Tavernier’s offensive contributions from right-back and Cyriel Dessers’ ability to lead the attack will be decisive. Midfielder Nico Raskin’s ball-winning abilities and distribution could also play a crucial role in controlling the game.

Head-to-Head and Form

Rangers have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning seven of their last eight encounters. However, Motherwell’s sole victory in this period came in March 2024, when they secured a surprising 2-1 win. The Steelmen’s recent form includes back-to-back defeats before a win against Dundee United, while Rangers have struggled for consistency, highlighted by five losses in 17 matches across all competitions this season.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Prediction: Motherwell 1-2 Rangers Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Motherwell 1-2 Rangers.

Justification: Despite their current challenges, Rangers’ experience in high-stakes matches and their historical dominance in this fixture give them the edge. Motherwell’s injury woes may prove too much to overcome, though their recent performance shows they can challenge.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Motherwell have shown they can score against top sides, while Rangers’ defensive lapses make this outcome likely.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5. Both teams’ recent matches have seen multiple goals, suggesting this trend will continue.

First Goal Scorer: Cyriel Dessers. Given his role as Rangers’ primary striker, he is well-positioned to open the scoring.

Hot Stat: Rangers have reached the final in the past two seasons, showcasing their pedigree in knockout competitions.

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