RANGERS blew away some of the doom and gloom that's surrounded them at the weekend with a Scottish Cup semi final win against Hearts.
And they have the chance to put the pressure on Celtic by drawing level with them on points for a couple of hours anyway at their first post-split game at St Mirren on Sunday.
Phillippe Clement's men were hit with a storm of criticism from their own fans after a week from hell where they lost at Ross County and followed that up with a dismal draw at Dundee. And the Belgian was far from immune from the abuse too.
They now have an Old Firm Scottish Cup Final to look forward to at the end of next month against Celtic after a bloodless Hampden win over their favourite opponents Hearts, but they need to get their act together in the title race after one win in their last five games.
It's never easy in Paisley where St Mirren reached the top six for the second season in a row and have an outside chance of Europe by catching Kilmarnock, although they are eight points behind so it's unlikely.
But Stephen Robinson's side aren't in great form either with three defeats in their last four games.
How the bookies view it
Rangers are odds-on across the board at 2/5 with bet365 about the best price.
St Mirren can be backed at 7/1 with Betfred and it's 4/1 for the draw with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
St Mirren have had a good season, but they've not laid a glove on Rangers. Rangers have won all three games without conceding a goal.
Rangers have won 17 out of the last 18 encounters in the league with the other game a draw.
Players to watch
Toyosi Olusanya has scored three goals in his last six games for St Mirren and the former Middlesbrough striker is 4/1 to score anytime with UniBet.
Cyriel Dessers was the hero for Rangers at the weekend with both goals in their Scottish Cup semi final win at Hampden The Nigerian international takes plenty of criticism but has come up with some big goals for Rangers and is 13/10 to score in Paisley with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Rangers will be hoping their Hampden stroll can turn their season around and they should have too much for a Saints side who have been on a poor run.
You would expect a positive Rangers start here and they are a backabale price to win this half time and full time at an odds-against 21/20 with Boylesports.
An interesting stat is St Mirren won 11 corners on their home when they played Celtic at home. With Rangers having to go for it too, there should be plenty of corners at both ends. It's worth going big at over 12 at 12/5 with bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Rangers will be played on Apr 28, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best St Mirren vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
