Rangers lick their wounds after their first loss under Clement, but a date with the league’s in-form team – Kilmarnock demands immediate action. Can the Gers weather the storm and snatch a vital three points, or will the visitors’ momentum prove too much?
Rangers vs Kilmarnock Head to Head
The two teams have a storied history of competition, having faced off 237 times across various tournaments since 1899. Notably, the hosts have maintained dominance over their southern rivals, securing 162 victories compared to the visitors’ 34 wins, while 41 matches ended in draws. Their most recent encounter occurred in August during the campaign opener, resulting in Kilmarnock claiming a 1-0 home victory. This win broke a streak of six consecutive defeats, marking Kilmarnock’s first triumph over the Glasgow-based hosts since 2020.
Rangers have demonstrated an unbeaten streak in their last nine home meetings against the visitors, achieving five consecutive wins. Additionally, they have maintained six clean sheets in this period. Notably, the hosts boast the best defensive record in the Premiership this season, conceding only 10 goals—half the number of goals conceded by the visitors.
Form Guide
On Saturday, the hosts faced their first league defeat since September, succumbing to a 2-1 loss against arch-rivals and league leaders Celtic in an away match. Captain James Tavernier managed to net a consolation goal for Rangers, but they conceded a goal in each half and suffered a setback with Leon Balogun receiving a red card in the 71st minute. As a result, they now trail the reigning champions by eight points in the league table, albeit with two games yet to be played.
In contrast, the visitors entered the match riding a six-game unbeaten streak but encountered a 2-2 draw against Dundee on Friday. The match witnessed late drama as goals from Joe Wright and Rory McKenzie helped overturn a one-goal deficit, only for Joe Shaughnessy of Dundee to secure a last-gasp equalizer.
Rangers vs Kilmarnock Team News
Due to Leon Balogun’s suspension resulting from his red card against Celtic, it’s anticipated that John Souttar will return to bolster the Rangers’ defensive lineup for this upcoming match.
Fabio Silva, recently joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is eligible for selection but is likely to begin on the substitutes’ bench.
Further changes are expected elsewhere in the team, with Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell, and Scott Wright vying for opportunities in the midfield and attacking areas.
On the Kilmarnock side, Rory McKenzie might see only his second league start of the season after stepping in for Brad Lyons just before half-time in their game against Dundee, during which he also managed to score a goal.
Liam Donnelly could potentially be introduced to fortify the midfield, and Corrie Ndaba remains an option in defense, while the remainder of the team may remain unchanged.
Potential starting lineups:
Rangers:
Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Yilmaz; Dowell, Lundstram; McCausland, Cantwell, Sima; Dessers
Kilmarnock:
Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Deas; Armstrong, McKenzie, Watson, Kennedy; Vassell, Watkins
Prediction
History whispers in the hallowed halls of Ibrox, and for Kilmarnock, it whispers tales of woe. Their last league win against Rangers at this iconic stadium came way back in 2020. Rangers, meanwhile, haven’t lost a home game against Kilmarnock since 2019, making them the undisputed kings of this clash. Expect a tight affair, but with the weight of history and home advantage heavily favoring the Gers, a narrow Rangers win seems almost inevitable.
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