Assuming everyone is fit – which at this stage they are – Terry will already be certain of ten likely starters. Gordon Marshall in goal will be behind a back four of Corrigan, Craigan, Partridge and Hammell. The midfield will contain McBride, Leitch, O’Donnell and Stepover whilst Scott McDonald is a guaranteed start up front. That leaves one player left and our leader has three players wanting it. 
A 'Well Cuddle at Hampden
Here are his options…
- Richie Foran. Richie will be the favourite for the place. He will play in a withdrawn outside right position. When Rangers are attacking he’ll need to get back into midfield but when we’re attacking he needs to get up to the other end and support McDonald. This is not his natural position but when playing well he reads the game superbly – look at the number of defensive clearances he’s made at the back post – but his high energy levels allow him to charge up and down the wing. However, his recent performances have not been of the highest quality and there seems to have been a fall out with Butcher over a missed training session. Foran can make a valuable contribution to the side and he managed to turn in a massive performance in the semi final. As long as he’s not awol before Sunday, expect him to start.
- Marc Fitzpatrick. The hero of Easter Road will probably be forced to settle for a seat on the bench. His semi final efforts and the form of Jim Paterson meant he might have had a shout on the left but Stepover is playing well again has all but cemented his left wing position. If Fitzy plays, he’ll come into the middle of the park beside O’Donnell and Leitch, allowing McBride to be pushed out onto the right wing. This will definitely solidify the middle of the park but it will put an awful strain on both O’Donnell and Fitzy to get upfront to help McDonald. Marc will be involved at some point – but it will likely be from the bench.
- David Clarkson. This would be a very brave decision on Butcher’s part and David is the least likely of our candidates to snatch the final place. The advantage of playing him would be that we have two eager chasers who can pressure the Rangers defence and stop them playing from the back. The problem is that once they get past this first line of defence we will be man for man in midfield. Also worth considering is that Rangers won’t often build gradually from the back – a long hump to the head of Prso or a ball into space for Novo to chase will leave our two front men out of the game. As for Clarkson himself, he has not had a great season goals wise but he has chipped in with a decent contribution for one who is still young. A spell in the reserves seems to have sharpened him up but there will be several Motherwell fans praying that any chances we get fall to someone else. Two penalties taken, two missed and two sitters in cup semi finals at vital times both hooked off target. It would be great if he scores the clinching goal on Sunday but I think 15,000 pairs of eyes might be closed when he’s hitting the ball! Again, he’ll feature but most likely from the bench.
Thankfully FPC only has to write about these things and it is Terry Butcher who has to make the decision. Richie Foran does seem like the logical choice but does our gaffer have something up his sleeve? We’ll have to wait and see!
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