Philippe Clement got his hands on the Scottish League Cup last season and how the Belgian could do with lifting the silverware again.
That’s assuming the Ibrox boss even gets that far with the 50-year-old teetering on the brink following a midweek defeat to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership which left them nine points behind in the league table. It’s already looking as if the title may well be getting away from them and that underlines the importance of getting some domestic cup glory under their belts. They’re the champions of this competition, even if their recent form doesn’t exactly show it.
But could Clement reach the first cup final of the season and be sacked before it even takes place if they lose more ground in the title race or stumble in the Europa League? He won’t be looking beyond Motherwell on Sunday which is a huge game and here’s how the Record Sport team see the last four tie panning out.
Andy Newport
Philippe Clement is clinging to his job by his fingertips. A defeat at Hampden is unthinkable if he’s to survive beyond Sunday but if his side do grab the win he desperately needs, I can’t see it being a comfortable affair. Motherwell gave them a decent game when they faced Gers at the national stadium earlier this season and are flying high under Stuart Kettlewell, only three points behind in the Ibrox side in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them force extra time.
Motherwell 1 Rangers 2 (aet)
Gavin Berry
Philippe Clement needs a reaction – how many times have we said that this season? – and he can get it to grant the Belgian a stay of execution. But this Rangers team’s confidence is so fragile that it will be a nervy-jangling affair and the victory will only delay the inevitable for Clement.
Motherwell 0 Rangers 1
Graeme Young
It feels as if Deja vu is permeating the air, as Rangers fans are transported back to 2017 and the semi final defeat to Motherwell which sparked the end game for Pedro Caixinha.
Don’t forget Michael Beale’s reign was all but done after a dreary 1-0 win over the Steelmen as ell. Expect another grind where the Steelmen take Rangers all the way.
Motherwell 1 Rangers 1 (Rangers win on pens)
Craig Swan
Rangers are toiling, but still possess more individual match winners than their opponents and can use that to book their place in the Final. It’ll likely be stuffy for the Light Blues, against the Steelmen, but probably successful.
Motherwell 0 Rangers 2
Scott Burns
Rangers go in with issues but remain favourites. Motherwell have been consistent this season but were too cautious against Celtic last week. Rangers can’t afford to get beat and I think they dig it out.
Motherwell 1 Rangers 2