adminRangers manager Derek McInnes has made a significant change to his starting lineup for the Scottish Premiership clash against Motherwell, responding to growing calls from supporters over his team selection.
The Rangers boss has brought Dujon Sterling back into the starting XI at right-back, with Kosta Nedeljkovic dropping out of the team. The decision comes after concerns had grown over Nedeljkovic’s recent performances, including an unfortunate own goal during Rangers’ victory over Aberdeen.
McInnes has otherwise resisted making sweeping changes to his defence, continuing to trust Emmanuel Fernandez alongside Olwethu Makhanya at the heart of the backline.
The Rangers starting XI sees Ivor Pandur continue in goal, with Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya and James Penrice forming the defensive line.
In midfield, Dan Neil returns to the starting lineup alongside Nicolas Raskin. Neil had missed the midweek victory over Falkirk because of a minor knock, while Raskin keeps his place following the conclusion of speculation surrounding his future at Ibrox.
Rangers will also continue with a familiar attacking combination. Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis occupy the wide positions, while Kim Min-su operates in the attacking midfield role behind captain Lawrence Shankland.
Shankland retains his place at the top of the attack after finding his scoring form at an important moment for the club. His recent goals have provided Rangers with a much-needed boost after a difficult opening period under McInnes.
The full Rangers starting XI is:
Ivor Pandur; Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya, James Penrice; Dan Neil, Nicolas Raskin; Djeidi Gassama, Kim Min-su, Findlay Curtis; Lawrence Shankland.
One of the biggest talking points is the continued absence of new arrivals Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani from the starting lineup. Both players arrived late in the transfer window, and McInnes has opted not to rush them straight into competitive action.
The decision means the Rangers manager is continuing to rely on players already familiar with his system rather than immediately turning to his newest attacking options.
McInnes’ decision to select Sterling is particularly significant because Rangers face a Motherwell side that entered the fixture in strong form. Motherwell had remained unbeaten at the start of the campaign and had recently recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Dundee United.
That made defensive stability particularly important for Rangers, with Sterling viewed as a more experienced and defensively reliable option at right-back.
However, Fernandez’s inclusion could attract further attention. The defender had faced criticism following his performance against Falkirk, but McInnes has clearly decided that maintaining his confidence is preferable to making another defensive change.
The Rangers boss will now hope the decision pays off on the pitch.
The fixture also represents an important opportunity for McInnes to build momentum after Rangers recorded consecutive victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk. Those results helped ease some of the pressure surrounding the manager following a difficult start to his tenure.
Rangers’ early-season struggles included disappointing results and European qualification setbacks, leaving McInnes under increasing scrutiny after a significant summer of recruitment.
A victory over Motherwell would therefore be more than just another three points. It would give Rangers the chance to build a genuine winning run and provide further evidence that McInnes is beginning to establish his preferred approach at Ibrox.
For now, the team selection shows a manager willing to respond to criticism in certain areas while continuing to stand by his own judgement elsewhere.
With Sterling restored, Shankland leading the attack and Neil returning to midfield, Rangers will be hoping the changes are enough to secure another important result.
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