If ever there was a good and bad time to face Motherwell, it is right now. Motherwell have been the absolute double surprise package of the season along with Hearts. Motherwell have been an outstanding football team with some excellent results. They have caused so many issues for so many teams, especially Rangers, who have struggled hugely against Tawanda Maswanhise, Elijah Just and the rest. Rangers test v Motherwell will be significant.
Why this is the best and worst time to face Motherwell
Nevertheless, it is the best and worst time to face them due to the implication of what time of the season this is, aka the Split. The good part is that Motherwell are in bad form right now. They have failed to win any of their last five matches and have struggled for goals and consistency. Subsequently they have lost 4 and have drawn one. They have not looked quite as robust as they did earlier up till February. Consequently, that is a positive for Rangers to face Motherwell when they are finally hitting a little bit of form drop.
Why Motherwell remain dangerous
However, the downside is that this is now the Split. Motherwell are eager to secure a European spot. They are in position to do so. Plus they have Hibernian and Falkirk coming up their rear and consequently Motherwell have something to fight for. They have had a big break like the rest of us and will be chomping at the bit to put their previous form right and to get back to points-winning ways. Rangers, beware a downed beast. An injured animal is always a worrying quarry for Rangers to face and Motherwell are exactly that. So consequently, it is a tough time to face Motherwell. They are not in good form and are desperate to put it right, while also being in the split with everything to play for.
Rangers must take three points
But of course, the counter obviously is that Motherwell are in bad form, put simply. Their record recently has not been great. Consequently, three points are an absolutely critical must for Rangers today. This is one where we have got to the point of the season where every single result is even more critical than ever. It is the most vital Split we think that there has ever been since the concept began 26 years ago.
This time, while it has been precedented that Rangers and Celtic have had everything to play for going into the Split a few times, there has never been three teams that have everything to play for. Any team dropping points now is going to hurt themselves considerably. Rangers do not want that to be themselves today, and getting the three points against Motherwell is an absolute must, given that Celtic got their first 3 points already. It has started well for Celtic. Rangers need to follow suit amid Rangers test v Motherwell.