Motherwell will host Rangers as the league season gets underway at Fir Park on Sunday lunchtime. After four friendlies and four Betfred Cup preliminaries Stephen Robinson should be confident that his team will be ready for the test.
The manager signed most of his ten imports early in the close season and as the July games progressed there was a growing belief in the support that we may have a squad capable of avoiding the flirtation with the relegation zone that has blighted the last two campaigns.
That optimism has to be tempered by acknowledging the level of opposition we have faced in those early matches but there is reason for hope. Despite our fears as last season ended Louis Moult is still a ‘Well player. His preparations are a few weeks behind his colleagues but we should be able to rely on a double figure return. Sunday would be a perfect time to start the tally.
Elliott Frear looks like he will fulfil the promise that persuaded McGhee to bring him to Motherwell in January. He has showered opposition boxes with crosses in the last few games and produced two winning goals.
Of the new batch a couple have caught the eye already. Bigirimana looks like a natural. He has free flowing ease with the ball and is able to spot the pass and Dunne has impressed with both defensive strength and speed on the flank.
The visitors have tried to shake off the humiliation of their embarrassment in Luxembourg with a couple of friendly games. Nevertheless they will be backed by a big travelling support eager to see Rangers challenge at the top end of the table.
The mature legs of Miller will continue to offer their cutting edge with target man Herrera in support. Both sets of fans will be curious to see how Alves, at the heart of the defence, copes with the rigours of Scottish football.
It is no surprise to see the visitors as odds on favourites but both teams are untested and full of new players. We may raise a few eyebrows after a 1-1 draw.