[FT] Motherwell 1 - 2 Rangers (Dorrans 4, 59pen)

[Bearman 9]

Fod: Bruno Alves has made a huge impact here already

 

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/837457/Rangers-Wes-Foderingham-Bruno-Alves-Pedro-Caixinha-Scottish-Premier-League

 

WES FODERINGHAM claims Bruno Alves has transformed Rangers from a soft touch to a well-oiled defensive unit as they go under the spotlight at Fir Park today.

 

The Light Blues only managed to keep clean sheets in 11 of their 38 league games last season and conceded 44 goals in the other 27 matches.

 

However, the presence of Euro 2016 winner Alves, coupled with a new 4-4-2 system, has had a major effect on the defence in particular and the team as a whole.

 

Foderingham says the Portuguese defender calms everyone around him as he leads by example.

 

The Ibrox keeper said: “Bruno’s a fantastic player and as a whole defensive unit we’ve come on stronger this year. Hopefully we can take that into the league campaign.

 

“He’s got an enviable career. He’s done it all, and he’s off the back of winning the Euros. There’s no doubt he’s a fantastic player.

 

“He’s a lot more cool and calm than I thought he’d be, you can see that from his performances. The boys pick up and feed off that.

 

“Fabio Cardoso is obviously younger and he’ll learn a lot from Bruno. I’m sure he’s thrilled to be playing alongside him.

 

“He’s a dominant force in the air and on the deck he’s really good as well. He can see a pass and he’s a calm presence on the ball.

 

“I’m sure he can handle himself and pick his moments.”

Edited August 5, 2017 by Bearman

[JFK-1 1,675]

It just occurred to me that last season I would have been concerned that we are missing two key players in Tavernier and Kranjcar. This time round I'm not so concerned and feel we have sufficient cover to operate more or less as normal.

 

Wouldn't feel like that if it were Alves out.

[Gribz 743]

It just occurred to me that last season I would have been concerned that we are missing two key players in Tavernier and Kranjcar. This time round I'm not so concerned and feel we have sufficient cover to operate more or less as normal.

 

Wouldn't feel like that if it were Alves out.

 

Still think we could be done with Kranjcars class and playmaking.

[JFK-1 1,675]

Still think we could be done with Kranjcars class and playmaking.

 

Yeah I would prefer him to be in there too but think we have enough to ride it out without him.

[der Berliner 3,251]

IMHO, DOrrans and Jack will see us in good stead for teams like Motherwell. I do wonder who will occupy the left flank, Windass seems the obvious choice right now ... and looks to have more physique than Dalcio ... at least for the oppening 30 min "bout".

[pete 2,499]

According to Forza we have an unchanged team.

 

Fod

 

Hodson Cardoso Alves Wallace

 

Candias Jack Dorrans Windass

 

Herrera Miller

[26th of foot 5,838]

FWIW, I've added the following probable team to it.

 

Barring any further injuries (looks like both Tav and Niko will miss the next game or two), I can't see anything other than the following XI unless the manager has a big surprise under his sleeve.

 

 

Well done Frankie, three days out and successfully names this afternoon's team.

[pete 2,499]

Motherwell 3-4-3

 

Carson

 

Kipre Heneghan Dunne

 

Tait McHugh Rose Frear

 

Tanner Moult Cadden

 

Moult against Alves is interesting. Cadden is also one to watch.

[Frankie 8,151]

To be fair, it wasn't really difficult given recent wins.

 

Hopefully the team plus subs do the business today. I'm strangely confident which is an unusual feeling.

[aweebluesoandso 290]

I thought as i got older i would get less excited about the start of the season, but the opposite is true , i'm like a wee boy waiting for it here.

 

C'mon the Teddy Bears.