Danny Rohl takes charge of his first Scottish Premiership game in charge of Rangers on Sunday afternoon as they welcome Kilmarnock to Ibrox.
Danny Rohl’s first game in charge ended in disaster on Thursday night, as his new side were well beaten in Bergen against Brann in the Europa League, leaving them bottom of the league phase table, still pointless.
It’s not only in Europe that Rangers have been dismal this season, as they sit sixth in the table on nine points, winning just one of their opening eight matches (W1-D6-L1).
The latest of those six domestic draws came last week, as after an impressive first half showing, The Teddy Bears had to rely on a late James Tavernier leveller to draw 2-2 with Dundee United at Ibrox.
Kilmarnock began the Scottish Premiership campaign with four successive draws, and it would’ve been five if Celtic hadn’t been awarded a hugely controversial penalty in stoppage time.
Stuart Kettlewell’s new side bounced back from that agonising defeat by claiming back-to-back 2-0 victories away at Dundee United and St Mirren, before losing 0-3 at home to leaders Hearts last Saturday.
How the bookies view it: Gers unconvincing favourites
Despite just one league win to their name this season, Rangers come into this clash as short-priced favourites, with BOYLE Sports pricing a home success at just 4/11.
Kilmarnock are 13/2 underdogs to heap more misery on Rangers, whilst the draw is 15/4.
Head to head: Rangers dominance
Rangers have won 11 of their last 13 meetings with Kilmarnock (W11-D0-L2), including each of their previous eight at Ibrox.
Players to watch: Tav to bag again?
James Tavernier’s late strike rescued a point for Rangers last weekend against Dundee United, taking his total to four goals in the Premiership this season.
The Gers captain scored the opener when the two sides last faced off at Ibrox last December, and the Rangers penalty taker is an appealing 21/10 at William Hill to score here.
Predicted line-ups:
Rangers will still be without defender Dujon Sterling, whilst Mohammed Diomande is a doubt.
Kilmarnock will be without goalkeeper Max Stryjek, as well as Tom Lowery, Matty Kennedy, Marley Watkins and Djenairo Daniels through injury.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Antman, Aasgaard, Gassama, Miovski
Kilmarnock: Beach, Brown, Stanger, Mayo, Deas, Thompson, Watson, Polworth, Kiltie, Anderson, Dackers
Anything else catch the eye?
I successfully backed Both Teams to Score when Dundee United visited Ibrox last weekend, and I see no reason to change my approach on Sunday when Kilmarnock head to Govan.
Rangers are a complete and utter shambles defensively, and that was highlighted once again on Thursday night as Brann put three goals past them.
Killie have scored two goals in all three of their away matches this season at Hibs, Motherwell and Dundee United, and will be confident of troubling The Gers’ woeful defence.
I’m also happy to back Kilmarnock +1.5 on the Asian Handicap, meaning a Kilmarnock win, a draw or if Killie lose by one goal would reward us with a winner.
GambleAware