Rangers, aiming to build consistent form after a challenging start to the season, host Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in the Scottish Premiership.
The hosts sit third in the league, nine points adrift of the top two after just 11 matches, while the visitors are close behind in fourth, trailing by only three points.
Match preview
© Imago
Rangers, accustomed to being title challengers, have endured an uncharacteristically difficult start to the 2024/25 season, intensifying scrutiny on manager Philippe Clement's position at the helm.
The Gers began their campaign with just one win in their first four matches across all competitions, alongside two draws and a loss, a sluggish start that set the tone for their subsequent performances.
Although they have secured 11 wins in the following 16 outings, Clement's side have struggled to maintain consistency, with promising streaks repeatedly cut short by frustrating defeats.
The results have ultimately left them with 22 points from their 11 league outings, from seven wins, one draw and three defeats, resulting in them already trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points.
Clement will know his team must improve in the weeks ahead to close the gap and revive their title challenge, and he will be counting on their strong home form to spark a consistent run.
The Gers have maintained a perfect record in their six home league matches but have managed only four points from five away games, and they will aim to extend their formidable Ibrox form with a crucial win against Dundee United on Saturday.
The visitors come into this game just three points behind Rangers, though Jim Goodwin's side have played one match more than the teams above them, meaning a win on Saturday could lift them into third place.
That marks a phenomenal start to the campaign for the Tangerines, who were promoted back to the Scottish Premiership last season as champions of the second division, following their relegation from the top flight in 2022-23.
After losing just one of their first eight league matches, a 1-0 defeat to Saturday's opponents, winning four and drawing three in that time, Dundee United's season looked set to unravel as they suffered back-to-back losses to Aberdeen and Motherwell.
However, Goodwin's side have quickly bounced back in their most recent outings, coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Hibernian, thanks to a 90th-minute equaliser from Sam Dalby, before convincingly defeating Ross County 3-0.
Now aiming to build on that victory and move onto level points with Rangers, potentially leapfrogging them if they win by at least three goals, Dundee United will need to overcome the Gers at Ibrox, a feat they have failed to achieve in any of their last six visits.
Team News
![Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/jim-goodwin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
The hosts will be without the services of Neraysho Kasanwirjo for this match, with the defender not expected to return from a recent knee injury until the new year.
Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence are all also doubts for the Gers as all three continue their recovery from ongoing injury issues.
After a dip in form that saw Cyriel Dessers go eight games without scoring between late September and early November, the striker has now found his scoring touch, netting in his last three matches for Rangers, a streak he will aim to continue with a likely start here.
As for the visitors, Craig Sibbald has been out of the team since October due to a groin injury, and the midfielder is not set to return until at least December.
Ross Graham is also a doubt to feature in this fixture due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since a 1-0 victory against St Mirren in early October.
Elsewhere, a similar side to the one that defeated Ross County 3-0 in their last outing is likely to start here, with Dalby continuing to lead the line having netted four in his last five appearances.
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Diomande, Bajrami; Dessers
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Sevelj, Babunski, Ferry; Stephenson, Dalby, Van der Sande
We say: Rangers 2-1 Dundee United
Rangers may have had a difficult season so far, but they head into this game with a perfect home record in the league. While Dundee United are expected to provide a tough challenge, we ultimately believe the Gers will secure the win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
