RANGERS will look to move within six points of both Aberdeen and Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table – for a few hours at least – as they welcome fourth-placed Dundee United to Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.
Results-wise, it was a positive week prior to the international break for Phillipe Clement’s men, as they sealed their place in the League Cup final by coming from a goal down to defeat Motherwell 2-1 to set up a tie with bitter-rivals Celtic next month.
They then went to Greece and claimed a valuable point in a 1-1 draw with Olympiakos in the Europa League before claiming a 1-0 victory over second-from-bottom Hearts in the Premiership at Ibrox.
However, despite that victory over The Jambos last time out, Rangers still currently sit nine points off both Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table and just three above their visitors – albeit with a game in hand.
Jim Goodwin’s hosts made a strong start to their return to the Scottish Premiership, taking 15 points across their opening eight matches (W4-D3-L1), with their solitary defeat coming at home to Rangers.
However, The Tangerines went on to lose back-to-back matches at home to Motherwell and away at high-flying Aberdeen – but did score a stoppage-time equaliser away at Hibs – before comfortably defeating Ross County 3-0 just before the international break on an afternoon where both my selections landed.
How the bookies view it: Gers clear favourites
Unsurprisingly, The Gers are clear favourites to make it seven wins from seven in the Premiership at home, as they are just 1/4 at the likes of Bet365 to claim all three points.
The Tangerines are priced at a massive 11/1 to claim a first win at Ibrox since 2014, whilst the draw is trading at 5/1.
Head to head: Rangers Dominance of late
Rangers have been victorious in each of their past five meetings with Dundee United, including a 0-1 win at Tannadice in the middle of September.
Dundee United have not been victorious at this venue since a 1-3 victory in the Scottish Cup back in 2014.
Players to watch: Nice one Cyriel?
Much-criticised striker Cyriel Dessers is guilty of missing chance after chance but scored in each of Rangers’ previous three matches in all competitions.
I tipped Sam Dalby at 12/5 to score against Ross County last time out, and he duly obliged, meaning the on-loan Wrexham forward has now scored in four of United’s previous five Premiership contests.
Probable line-ups
On-loan Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo picked up a nasty-looking injury for the Dutch U21s during the international break and will join Tom Lawrence, Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo on the sidelines.
Jim Goodwin will likely go with a similar starting 11 to the one that comfortably dispatched Ross County last time out. Craig Sibbald and Ross Graham remain out.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte, Barron, Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami, Cerny, Dessers
Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Strain, Sevelj, Babunski, van der Sande, Stephenson, Middleton, Dalby
Anything else catch the eye?”
Whilst Rangers have struggled on their travels domestically this season, they have been just about faultless at home, winning each of their opening six Premiership matches in front of their supporters by an aggregate score of 14-2.
However, six of those goals came in a 6-0 thrashing of The Staggies back in August at Hampden, with the other five victories featuring fewer than four goals – including all four since their return to Ibrox.
Rangers have won the last five meetings with the pair, with all five (100%) featuring fewer than four goals – including a 0-1 at Tannadice in September – and a low-scoring Gers victory is my preferred way to go in what will be a highly-competitive contest.
This Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Dundee United will be played on Nov 23, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
