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Kilmarnock are our opponents on Saturday, with Stephen Robinson’s side travelling to Rugby Park.

Here’s a closer look at our weekend opponents.

The story so far

The unexpected departure of manager Angelo Alessio on Tuesday afternoon is the topic on everyone’s minds going into this weekend’s fixture.

The early season exit from the UEFA Europa League at the hands of minnows Connah’s Quay Nomads was a severe early blow. But Killie have rallied to fifth in the table, with an impressive home record to boot.

Form guide

One win in their last eight fixtures tells its own story.

A solitary 3-0 victory over at Hearts has come in between draws with Hamilton, Hibernian and St Johnstone, as well as defeats to Livingston, Ross County, Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Three to watch

Dario Del Fabro

Having swapped Juventus for Kilmarnock this season, Dario Del Fabro is thriving in the physical environment of the Scottish Premiership.

The Italian defender has spent much of his career out on loan, with his only previous spell outside of his homeland coming when he spent a season on loan with Leeds United in 2014/15 where he managed just one appearance.

Del Fabro was the last Killie player to find the net in the Scottish Premiership, opening his goal scoring account in Scotland as he netted a last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Hibernian two weeks ago.

Chris Burke

At the age of 36, Chris Burke continues to play a starring role at Rugby Park, often proving to be the talisman for Kilmarnock.

Last month, the former Cardiff and Rangers winger rolled back the years to bag a brace in the 3-0 victory over Hearts at Rugby Park. He scored the opener with a superbly executed finish and he turned provider for the second goal, delivering for Eamonn Brophy to head home.

The third goal demonstrated Burke’s abilities to drive forward and torment defences – bursting past a number players in the helpless Hearts backline and drilling the ball into the net.

Eamonn Brophy

Much of Killie’s recent struggles in the Scottish Premiership have been owed to their inability to score goals.

The Rugby Park side have failed to find the net in each of their last three league fixtures and so far this season have averaged less than a goal a game. It’s therefore perhaps of little surprise that despite only having found the net three times in the league this season, Eamonn Brophy tops the club’s scoring charts.

The Scotland striker was on target in a number of big wins last season for the Rugby Park side including winning goals against Hibs and Rangers and caretaker boss Alex Dyer will be hoping the 23-year-old can rediscover his scoring touch to help guide them back to winning ways.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cash gates are currently not guaranteed to be available on the day, therefore pre-purchase is advised.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Kilmarnock v Motherwell and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

Adult tickets for our William Hill Scottish Cup tie at Dundee on Saturday, 18 January can be bought in advance for £15.

Fans have until 11 January to get a discounted price, with concession tickets priced at £10 and under 18s for just £5.

Tickets can be purchased now online and will be able to collect from Friday 20 December. Sales at the ticket office will also start on Friday.

From 12 January, ticket prices will increase to £20 for adults, £15 for concessions and £10 for under 18s.

Prices on the gate are £20 for adults and £15 for all concessions, including under 18s.

Kick-off in the tie is at 7.20pm. You can book a seat on our bus to Dens Park for £12 online now.

Motherwell take to the road for the first of two festive away fixtures, heading to take on Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Kick-off at Rugby Park is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s fourth against fifth in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday, with Motherwell currently eight points ahead of their opponents in the table.

Stephen Robinson’s side lost at home to Rangers on Sunday past, ending a run of three successive victories and clean sheets earned in wins over St Johnstone, Hearts and St Mirren.

Kilmarnock meanwhile started their last batch of five matches with a 3-0 home win over Hearts. That was followed with draws with Hibernian and St Johnstone, before recent back-to-back defeats to Livingston and Ross County away from home.

They are, however, on an eight-game unbeaten run at home in the league, winning four and drawing four, conceding only three goals and keeping six clean sheets.

Head to head

Motherwell won the first encounter between the two sides in 2019/20, with Liam Donnelly and Devante Cole netting in a 2-1 victory at Fir Park.

Kilmarnock have won three of the last five matches against the Steelmen, with the other result a 0-0 draw on our last visit to Rugby Park.

The last time Motherwell claimed victory in Ayrshire was in March 2017. Carl McHugh and Zak Jules scored, cancelling out Kris Boyd’s opener, to give a 2-1 away win.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cash gates are currently not guaranteed to be available on the day, therefore pre-purchase is advised.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Kilmarnock v Motherwell and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

Nikola Katic and Alfredo Morelos score the goals as the Steelmen lose in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

“Did we deserve anything out of the game? No. We didn’t play to the best of our abilities.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to the defeat to Rangers.

Motherwell’s  long wait for a league win over Rangers continued after Steven Gerrard’s men deservedly came out on top of a tough encounter .

Having won five of their previous six home games, the Fir Park men went into the game confident that the timing was perfect to end their 17-year jinx against the Ibrox side.

However, a goal in either half from Nikola Katic and Alfredo Morelos meant that Rangers’ domination of this fixture continues. And despite the Columbian striker being sent off, the Fir Park men failed to make the most of their extra man for the final 20 minutes.

Stephen Robinson made only one change from the side which beat Hearts, Devante Cole swapping places with James Scott.

Indeed, in terms of a consistent starting line-up, there was only one change from the team which was unlucky not to take a point at Ibrox in October, the on-form Jermaine Hylton providing the home side with an additional attacking threat.

In the early stages the game was very open with play flowing from end to end – without either goal being under threat.

The first chance came ‘Well’s way after 10 minutes. Cole nodded Mark Gillespie’s measured ball into the path of Christopher Long.

His speed took him away from Connor Goldson and after carrying the ball beyond Allan McGregor his cut back was perfect for Cole six yards in front of goal. But James Tavernier nudged his foot in front of the striker to clear what might have been the opening goal.

At the opposite end Gillespie wasn’t really tested until the 19th minute when he elected to punch Joe Aribo’s cross straight to Glenn Kamara at the edge of the box. Thankfully for the ‘Well ‘keeper the former Dundee midfielder hoisted his effort high into the Davie Cooper stand.

Motherwell’s defence had given leading scorer Alfredo Morelos a lean time of it until the 25th minute. A quick break from Ryan Kent allowed him to set up the Columbian striker but his high drive was beaten away by Gillespie’s left hand.

A minute later the Rangers’ pair combined again and this time Morelos’ powerful low drive was sneaking in off the post until Gillespie got down to push the ball behind for a corner.

When Borna Barasic whipped the resultant flag kick into a packed box, Nikola Katic held off his marker to stoop and power a header high into the net and give Rangers the lead.

The Ibrox side might have extended their lead before the interval as they maintained the pressure on the home goal. Gillespie was again quick to dive to his right and push another low drive from Morelos round his post.

However, despite conceding a succession of corners, the Steelmen defended them solidly to trail by only one goal at the interval.

With McGregor untested in the first half, though, more was required from the ‘Well attack in the second 45.

It was Rangers who almost doubled their lead four minutes after the break when only another great block from Gillespie denied Morelos as the ‘Well defenders claimed offside.

As the goal threat was still around Gillespie’s goal, ‘Well made the first substitution after 57 minutes Scott replacing Hylton wide on the left.

Another fine save was needed from Gillespie this time to beat away Kent’s fierce drive – as the ‘Well ‘keeper was shaping up as man of the match.

Robinson’s second change came after 63 minutes, Sherwin Seedorf replacing Polworth just in time to see McGregor produce his first save. Jake Carroll’s long throw glanced off Goldson’ head and as the ball bounced two yards from goal Long reacted to nod the ball high towards goal but the Rangers’ ‘keeper reacted superbly to palm the ball away.

That encouraged the home support but their enthusiasm was soon curtailed when the Ibrox side made it 2-0 after 68 minutes.

Aribo’s ball across Gillespie’s box found Morelos’ but his turn and snapshot was blocked by Gallgher. At the second attempt the striker steered the ball inside Gillespie’s right hand post.

That was the last action for Morelos as after going to celebrate his goal in front of the ‘Well fans he was shown a second yellow card, leaving Rangers to defend their lead with 10 men for the last 20 minutes.

With 12 minutes remaining ‘Well looked to utilise the extra man, replacing central defender Bevis Mugabi with midfielder Mark O’Hara.

However, the Steelmen failed to threaten McGregor’s goal. And Rangers might have made it three in injury time when Barasic’s superb curling free kick rebounded off Gillespie’s left hand post.

There’s live video and audio available from Motherwell v Rangers on Sunday.

We’ve a live stream of the match available to viewers outside of the UK and Ireland for just £12 a month. Kick off is at 12pm GMT.

To subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland and can’t make it, don’t worry. We’ve also got live audio commentary of the match for just £5.99 a month.

Head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to sign up. Just choose the UK/Ireland commentary option.

2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

Rangers are the visitors to Fir Park on Sunday in a televised Ladbrokes Premiership victory.

Steven Gerrard’s side were pushed all the way at Ibrox in the first meeting between the two sides earlier in the season, eventually winning 2-1 through a late set play.

The story so far

Two points off the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership, Rangers are pushing all the way to end Celtic’s dominance over the title.

A long run of wins earlier in the campaign – with 23 victories from 33 competitive games so far – has showcased their ability to challenge at the top, even if recent form has taken a minor dip.

Form guide

The last five games, on paper, suggest a downturn in fortunes. With one win, three draws and one defeat, it’s a dip compared to five wins in the previous block.

But for context, two draws have come in Europe, including the hugely impressive 2-2 draw at Feyenoord. A 2-2 draw at Aberdeen was the first blip the Glasgow side properly encountered on league business, while the defeat came in the Betfred Cup final after a strong attacking performance.

Three to watch

Ryan Jack

Over the past year, Ryan Jack has developed into one of the most influential and consistent performers in the Rangers team.

After his excellent showing in Rangers’ 4-0 win at Ross County at the end of October, Steven Gerrard hailed Jack as a real leader and emphasised he was a great example for the rest of the Rangers squad.

In recent weeks the midfielder has started to address what could be described as a glaring omission from his game – contributing four goals in his last four Scottish Premiership appearances.

Ryan Kent

The £7m deadline-day signing of Ryan Kent from Liverpool was seen as a big statement of intent ahead of Rangers’ attempts to deny Celtic their ninth successive league title.

Kent enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Ibrox last season, making 43 appearances and scoring six goals. He ended the campaign by winning the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year Award and was also nominated for the main award too.

An injury sustained in his first match since making his move to Glasgow a permanent one ruled him out of action for a month, though on his return the Oldham-born winger has shown the qualities that helped him firmly establish himself as a fan favourite in his first year with the club – most notably netting a double in the 3-1 success at Hamilton.

Alfredo Morelos

Last Sunday may have been a day to forget for Alfredo Morelos, but it should take little away from what has been a storming first half of the season for the Colombian striker.

The 23-year-old missed a hatful of gilt-edged chances and from the penalty spot as his record of never having netted against Celtic continued. But it still demonstrated his new found maturity this term, alongside his relentless movement, power and a killer touch in front of goal.

Morelos has been prolific in front of goal both in domestic and European competition this season. He has found the net on 25 occasions in 31 appearances to close in on Marco Negri’s record of 33 goals before the New Year.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cheaper price applies to John Hunter stand for home supporters. Rangers fans should contact their club direct for tickets.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Motherwell v Rangers and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Stephen Robinson spoke about form, past performances and managing expectations ahead of the visit of Rangers to Fir Park on Sunday.

Here’s what he said to the broadcast media.

On facing Rangers

“It’s a fantastic game to be involved in. I say every time we play these big games, it’s why you’re in football.

“There will be a big atmosphere. Big crowd. Live on TV. Against a very, very good Rangers side.”

On Rangers playing in Europe on Thursday night

“I don’t think there’s any advantage. When you look at the level of players Rangers have and the players they have on their bench that can possibly come in. Defoe replacing Morelos or vice versa. They’ve got that all over the pitch.

“That’s why they are where they are and doing so well in Europe. So no, there will be no European hangover, no matter what.”

On a good performance at Ibrox last time out

“I think we played very well. I think we were set up well. The boys carried out what we wanted.

“We played a little bit on the counter attack, which isn’t how we usually play. We press high. We have a real high energy to our game. So you need a little bit of a mix against Rangers.

“They’re going to dominate possession at times. We need everybody on the top of their game on the day. And if we get that and we have people playing at the top of their game, then you never know.

“I think it’s different every game. It depends on the availability of players and it depends where you are.

“We went through to Rangers last time on the back of a defeat. We’re going into the game on Sunday on three wins and having not conceded a goal.

“We know that it’s a level up again. But we’re doing a lot of things right.

“How we play doesn’t really change. Systems don’t really change your principles and what we’re trying to do. We’ll continue to try and take the game to people.

I think the level of disappointment in the dressing room showed maybe how far we’ve come. No matter what they say in the press and how much they talk about they believe they can go and do things, actually going to Ibrox and challenging Rangers and putting on a good performance.

Ultimately we lost the game. You know you’ve got to remember that we lost the game. But we lost to a set play, which was the biggest disappointment.

“We had I think 11 players right at the top of their game on that day. So make no mistake. We need 11 players, maybe more when subs are made, to be right at the very top level of their game to get a result.”

On keeping feet on the ground after three straight wins

“I think sometimes after a result you can get carried away and we make sure we don’t.

“We analyse it and I genuinely believe there’s probably 80-90% of the players here can improve again. I believe there’s another percentage in every player.

“Decision making. How we press at times. I think everybody can get better at it. And that’s everybody. The staff, we’re all looking to improve. All the time.

“If you ever rest on your laurels, I think you stand still.

“With the age of this squad, the young boys who are up and down like yo-yos. I take James Scott. He was superb against St Mirren but wasn’t brilliant on Saturday.

“But he still tried to do the right things, still tried to get in the right areas and take people on. Those wide players will be up and down.  If we can get even more consistency to our game, I think we’ll improve even more.

“We’ve got a level of consistency now when before perhaps we were a little bit more up and down. Bevis coming in when Peter was ill. He came in the Celtic game and he was excellent. And it gives me a real problem. But a good problem.

“We have got a wee bit of strength in depth. We’ve not got a huge squad, but the quality that we do have, with our younger players as well, we have a real belief in whoever comes in will do a job to the same standard.”

Fans are urged to pre-purchase their tickets for Sunday’s Ladbrokes Premiership match with Rangers.

To avoid queues on the day, you can buy online now and get home delivery on purchases made before 4pm on Wednesday.

You can also print your ticket at home and take it straight to the gate, or order for collection at Fir Park.

There will be no cash gates in operation at Fir Park on Sunday.

Our ticket office at the stadium is open from 9am to 5pm Wednesday and Thursday, from 9am to 4pm on Friday, from 10am to 12pm on Saturday and from 10am until kick off at 12pm on Sunday.

Online purchases can be made for collection until 11am on Sunday. Rangers supporters should buy from their club directly.

Cheaper price applies to John Hunter stand for home supporters.