Rangers vs Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership Preview
Rangers will be looking to maintain their solid start to the season when they host Kilmarnock in a Friday night Scottish Premiership fixture.
The Gers are looking sharp at the moment, especially at home, and should be too strong for the visitors, who are out of sorts.
Key Stats
- Rangers have won their last six matches in all competitions.
- Rangers have won to nil in their last four matches in all competitions.
- Rangers have won eight of their last nine matches against Kilmarnock.
- Kilmarnock have failed to win eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Kilmarnock have failed to score in three of their last six matches in all competitions.
Rangers Often Superior
Rangers have 49 wins while Kilmarnock have been victorious nine times, with 10 draws in the last 68 matches. The Gers have also won eight of the last nine meetings and claimed a 5-1 home victory in the most recent clash back in February.
Rangers Challenging Near the Top
It has been a solid start to the season so far for Rangers, who are challenging near the top of the table. They are just two points behind leaders Celtic after picking up five wins and playing out one draw in their opening seven matches.
The Gers went into the international break in high spirits after claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Celtic. Ryan Naderi struck the only goal in the first half, and they were able to hold on for the win.
The victory over Celtic highlights a key aspect of Rangers’ performances this season. Manager Derek McInnes has found a way to tighten things up at the back, and they have kept clean sheets in their last four matches in all competitions.
Kilmarnock Struggling to Get Going
Kilmarnock travel to Ibrox off the back of a 1-1 draw with Hearts in their previous Premiership fixture. They took the lead early in the contest following Jamie McCart’s own goal but were pegged back four minutes from time.
That result extends Kilmarnock’s poor start to the season, having picked up just one win from seven Premiership matches so far. They are currently bottom of the table, and manager Neil McCann will be keen to get things back on track.
Beyond the Premiership, Kilmarnock's overall form has been poor lately, with just two wins in the last 10 matches in all competitions. Killie have also looked unconvincing going forward, failing to score in three of their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Rangers (4-4-1-1): Ivor Pandur; Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya, James Penrice; Minsu Kim, Daniel Neil, Nicolas Raskin, Djeidi Gassama; Ryan Naderi; Kevin Kelsey.
Rangers have a few injury problems, with Lawrence Shankland, Daisuke Yokota and Youssef Chermiti all sidelined. Naderi is expected to feature in attack after scoring last time out, while Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya should line up in central defence.
Kilmarnock (4-2-3-1): Calum Ferrie; Jamie Brandon, Cathal McCarthy, George Stanger, Michael Schjonning-Larsen; Bailey Rice, Tom Lowery; Erik Ring, Tyreece John-Jules, Greg Kiltie; Joe Hugill.
Forward Djenairo Daniels is available for Kilmarnock after serving a suspension last time out, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Joe Hugill should lead the line while Cathal McCarthy is set to continue at the back.