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Ross County
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 18
Dec 23, 2022 at 7.30pm UK
Victoria Park
Rangers logo

Ross County
0 - 1
Rangers


Watson (27'), Loturi (86')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Lundstram (35')
Lundstram (37')

Preview: Ross County vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Friday's Scottish Premiership clash between Ross County and Rangers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ross County will attempt to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership on Friday night when they take on Rangers at the Global Energy Stadium.

The hosts come into this one off the back of a loss against St Johnstone, while the visitors travel to the Highlands following a victory away to Aberdeen.


Match preview

Ross County manager Malky Mackay reacts on March 19, 2022© Reuters

Ross County have been in an inconsistent run of form in 2022-23 and sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership table, having picked up 15 points from 17 matches under Malky Mackay.

The Staggies have had a frustrating time in front of goal this campaign, hitting the net just 14 times, which is the second-fewest number of goals scored in the league behind Kilmarnock.

Making their return to competitive action last weekend, Ross County were on the end of a 2-1 defeat at home to St Johnstone, with a double from Ali Crawford for the visitors being enough to cancel out a Jordan White opener.

Ross County have won just two of their nine matches at home in the Scottish Premiership this season and will need to up their game to try to claim a result on Friday.

Should they manage to topple Rangers, Ross County have the potential to move into ninth place in the division at the expense of Motherwell.

Rangers players look dejected after Mohammed Kudus scores for Ajax on November 1, 2022© Reuters

Rangers make the trip to the Global Energy Stadium following two consecutive victories as they look to narrow the gap at the top on leaders Celtic, who play host to St Johnstone on Saturday.

Michael Beale has made the ideal start to life in his new job, though he will be aware there is no room for complacency as Rangers fight to keep their title hopes alive.

Last time out, Scott Arfield was on hand in the 95th and 97th minute to grant his side a dramatic 3-2 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium in a match littered with chances for both teams.

Nevertheless, Beale will be desperate to improve their fortunes on the road in the coming months, given that his side have won just four of their eight Scottish Premiership matches away from home in 2022-23.

Only a win will do for Rangers on Friday, as they aim to keep themselves as close as possible to Celtic ahead of their upcoming derby clash in the New Year.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:


Rangers form (all competitions):



Team News

Ross County's Alex Iacovitti gestures towards the referee on March 19, 2022© Reuters

Ross County will be without defender Jack Baldwin on Friday due to his straight red card in the defeat against St Johnstone last weekend.

Ross Callachan remains out of contention due to a hamstring injury, while Ben Purrington is still sidelined with an ankle knock.

Alex Samuel is the only other notable absentee, while Jordan Tillson is at risk of suspension if he picks up a booking during proceedings.

For the visitors, Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence will not be available for selection due to respective injuries. Filip Helander is still out with a foot problem, while Ianis Hagi is still struggling with a long-term knee issue.

Ridvan Yilmaz remains out with a hamstring injury, while Kemar Roofe will not be included in the matchday squad owing to recurring difficulty with his calf.

Connor Goldson is at risk of suspension if he is yellow-carded at the Global Energy Stadium against Ross County.

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Johnson, Watson, Iacovitti, Harmon; Loturi, Tillson; Edwards, Dhanda, Hiwula; White

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Devine; Kamara, Jack; Sakala, Arfield, Kent; Morelos


SM words green background

We say: Ross County 1-2 Rangers

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect an entertaining clash with plenty of chances for both sides as they search for an important three points.

On this occasion, Rangers will do enough to run out as winners and extend their winning run to three matches in a row.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Away Win:data


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Game History

How you voted: Ross County vs Rangers

Ross County
14.5%
Draw
9.1%
Rangers
76.4%
55
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Rangers manager Michael Beale pictured on December 15, 2022
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1110103132831
2Aberdeen11101024101431
3RangersRangers11713168822
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd125431813519
5Motherwell116141514119
6St Mirren134361722-515
7Dundee123361824-612
8Kilmarnock123361525-1012
9Ross County132651021-1112
10St Johnstone133191627-1110
11Hearts132381420-69
12Hibernian121561118-78


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