Written By: Kevin Mac, , Match Preview

RANGERS haven't put a foot wrong since the winter break and head into this clash with rock-bottom Livingston looking to keep the pressure on Celtic in the SPFL Premiership title race.

A 2-1 derby loss at Celtic Park just before New Year remains Philippe Clement's only defeat since taking over from Michael Beale, a run that now stretches 21 games both domestically and in Europe.

Rangers had two tough away games when the Premiership resumed after a three-week break but battered Hibs 3-0 before grinding out a 1-0 weekend victory at St Mirren, bringing up two bets for our man Mark.

Clement has started to put his own stamp on the squad, snapping up Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers then adding midfielder Mohamed Diomande from FC Nordsjaelland. 

Winger Oscar Cortes was also secured just before the transfer window closed and fans are hoping these new additions can give Rangers the edge in a tight title race as a cloud of negativity hangs over rivals Celtic.

It's hard to see Livingston springing a shock at Ibrox as David Martindale's side sit six points adrift at the bottom of the table after a run of 15 league games without a win.

That gap would have been even bigger had Livi not managed to grab a late equaliser at home to Ross County on Tuesday and it looks like this could be the season when the Lions lose their roar.

But Livingston have been a thorn in the side of both Old Firm sides under Martindale and that will give them some hope of causing a big Ibrox upset.

How the bookies view it

Livingston have been written off and can be backed at a whopping 28/1 with Betfair. Even the draw is a hefty 9/1 with the same firm while Rangers' best price is just 1/9 at Unibet.

Recent head to head

Livingston claimed a 1-1 draw at Ibrox last season but 12 of the last 13 meetings have ended in victories for Rangers. This is Livi's third visit to Govan this season, with Martindale's side suffering successive 4-0 defeats in the Premiership and League Cup.

Players to watch

Cyriel Dessers has come under fire since his summer arrival at Ibrox, with fans less than convinced about the Nigerian striker. But he has come back from the winter break in good shape, netting in three successive games. That should earn him another start here and he's evens with Bet365 for anytime scorer.

Livingston's best chance for a goal will probably come from a set-piece and Ayo Obileye is always a threat in the air. The big defender is 40/1 with Bet365 for a goal which may attract a few long-odds punters.

Anything else catch the eye?

Rangers have won without conceding in their last four games against Livingston but there's no value in backing a repeat as that pays just 4/7 at Paddy Power. Backing Gers in the handicaps paid off for me in their win at Hibs and you have to go to -3 to find decent odds for this one at 9/5 with Unibet.

Clement's side should dominate possession and I'd be surprised if Livingston put them under much pressure. That makes betting against a card for both teams worth a look and it pays 7/4 with Bet365. Most cards should go to those in a yellow jersey and Livi defender James Penrice is 10/3 with Bet365 to go in the book for a fifth time this term.

This match between Rangers and Livingston will be played on Feb 3, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Livingston prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Cyriel Dessers anytime scorer
Evens
Bet365
Card for both teams? No
7/4
Bet365
James Penrice to be carded
10/3
Bet365

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