Rangers vs Kilmarnock
Time: UK: 3.00 pm, India: 7.30 pm (Saturday)
Venue: Ibrox Stadium
Steven Gerrard’s much-improved Rangers side saw their winning run come to an abrupt halt against a struggling Livingston side last Sunday.
In spite of the Gers dominating possession, they weren’t able to find that winning goal, thus failing to gain that psychological advantage over their arch-rivals Celtic ahead of their penultimate game of the month.
But as Rangers will be in action two-and-a-half hours prior to their bitter rivals on Saturday, they can increase their gap with the defending champions, whose last two games were suspended, to nine points.
However, Rangers won’t have it easy as Alex Dyer’s Kilmarnock side are in desperate need of a win, having failed to do so in their four previous attempts this season.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Recent form
Rangers: D-W-W-L-W (Most recent first)
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Kilmarnock: L-D-D-L-L (Most recent first)
Rangers were held to a goalless draw against Livingston in their last Scottish Premiership outing on Sunday.
Kilmarnock, on the other hand, were beaten 2-1 by St Johnstone. Killie had been leading the match until late but a senseless red card for Ross Millen followed by two late goals in the 85th and the 94th minutes killed the game for the hosts.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Head-to-head record
Total Matches: 85
Rangers wins: 59
Kilmarnock wins: 11
Draws: 15
The two sides last met back in February this year, with Kilmarnock emerging 2-1 winners at Rugby Park on that occasion.
Scott Arfield had opened the scoring on the day but two late strikes from Stephen O’Donnell and Eamonn Brophy in the 77th and 89th minutes respectively the Gers’ hopes.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Team news
Rangers
Defender Nikola Katic and striker Jermain Defoe continue to be sidelined but midfielder Joe Aribo is set to be back after missing the last game against Livingston through injury.
There is expected to be no change in the goalkeeping department, with summer signing Jon McLaughlin having impressed Steven Gerrard with his performances between the sticks.
Ryan Kent is also expected to feature in spite of being linked with a move to newly-promoted Premier League side Leeds United.
Kilmarnock
Alex Dyer has a fully fit squad at his disposal apart from goalkeeper Jake Eastwood, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
There will be a problem to address in the right-back position though, with Ross Millen set to miss the game after picking up a red card in the last game.
Chris Burke is going to be a key to Kilmarnock’s chances against the Gers as the 36-year-old has already scored three goals in four Scottish Premiership appearances this season.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Predicted line-up
Rangers predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Barisic; Kamara, Aribo; Kent, Jack, Hagi; Morelos
Kilmarnock predicted line-up (4-3-3): Rogers; McGowan, Findlay, Broadfoot, Waters; Power, Dicker, Tshibola; Pinnock, Burke, Kabamba
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Where to watch
They match will be shown live on BT Sport, while season ticket holders can watch the match free as part of their virtual pass.
Rangers TV will be another place to watch the game on a pay-per-view basis.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock: Prediction
In spite of last week’s set-back, Rangers look good to pick up the three points against a struggling Kilmarnock side on Saturday.
Steven Gerrard has plenty of options at his disposal and can make use of different options and formations to get the best out of his team.
As far as Kilmarnock are concerned, they look like a side devoid of any luck at the moment and are likely to drop points at the weekend, despite beating the Gers last time around.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock final verdict: 2-0
Also Read: Dundee United vs Celtic: Preview, team news, predicted XI and more | SPL 2020-21
