Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock vs Rangers

, KO: 15:00 May 19, 2019, Rugby Park
Rangers

THIS looks set to be Steve Clarke's final game as Kilmarnock manager, with speculation rife that he's about to become the new Scotland manager.

It would be fitting if he signed off from his remarkable Rugby Park spell by leading Killie to third place and a guaranteed Europa League slot. But he will have to look on from the stand after copping a two-game touchline ban for his blast at referee Steven McLean.

Kilmarnock were deep in trouble when Clarke took over from Lee McCulloch early last season but he steadied the ship admirably and led them to a top-six finish.

There were doubts over whether he could maintain that incredible form in this campaign but Clarke has somehow managed to make Killie even more consistent.

For the calendar year 2018, Clarke's side outperformed every club in the Premiership, even champions Celtic, and that's testament to his incredible coaching skills.

Clarke has been crowned Manager of the Year by both his peers and the Scottish Football Writers Association and it would be a shame if there wasn't a tangible reward for the club from his time in charge.

But if they are to guarantee third place and a European slot then they will have to defeat the form team in Scotland, with Rangers heading to Rugby Park on the back of six successive victories.

Steven Gerrard's side were worth winners in last weekend's Old Firm clash and they haven't put a foot wrong since narrowly losing in the last derby with 10 men.

Much has been made of Rangers' reliance on the goals of Alfredo Morelos this season but their best run of form has come with the Colombian clicking his heels on the sidelines.

His red card at Parkhead for a senseless elbow on Scott Brown forced Gerrard to tweak his formation, bringing in Jermain Defoe up front and moving midfielder Scott Arfield into a more advanced role with Steven Davis back in the engine room.

Rangers look a far better side with this new set up and will be out to end the campaign on a high by claiming another victory at one of the toughest venues in the Premiership.

But it was at Rugby Park where their title bid started to falter, crashing to a 2-1 defeat in the first league game after the winter break.

Rangers headed into the break on a high after beating Celtic at Ibrox to move level on points with their rivals at the top and the January arrivals of Davis and Defoe had fans dreaming of a championship push.

But despite Defoe scoring on his league debut to put Gers ahead in Ayrshire, they crashed to defeat thanks to strikes from Eamonn Brophy and Jordan Jones, who will play at Ibrox next season after signing a pre contract.

Nobody finds it easy getting a result on Rugby Park's plastic pitch and I wouldn't be surprised if this one ended up a stalemate. It was 0-0 when these sides last met here back in February in the Scottish Cup so I'll be backing another draw at 27/10 with Betfair and 5/2 with Paddy Power.

I can't see there being too many goals in this one but sadly the odds aren't great, with under 2.5 strikes just 81/100 with Marathonbet. Instead try a combined under 1.5 goals in the first half, under 2.5 goals in the second half and either team to win, which is 5/4 at Ladbrokes.

I can't see Gerrard tinkering with a winning side but he might be tempted to throw Morelos back in, given he has netted seven goals against Killie this season.

Rangers will probably try to sell the Colombian in the summer and might want to put him in the shop window with the game live on BT Sport. Morelos is 29/20 with Unibet for anytime scorer and could be a good option for last scorer at 4/1 with Boylesports if he starts on the bench again.

This could be Kris Boyd's last game for Kilmarnock, with the veteran striker hinting he may move on in the summer to guarantee first-team football. He will be desperate to sign off with a goal against his old club and could be worth a punt at 13/5 with Betfred for anytime scorer.

This match between Kilmarnock and Rangers will be played on May 19, 2019 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Kilmarnock vs Rangers Betting Tips & Predictions
Draw
5/2
PaddyPower
Alfredo Morelos last scorer
4/1
Boylesports
Kris Boyd anytime scorer
13/5
Betfred
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