MICHAEL BEALE'S Rangers reign has been a rollercoaster ride so far and the new Ibrox boss will be looking to win with a bit less drama when his side face another tricky away day at Ross County.
Since taking the reins from Giovanni van Bronckorst, Beale has watched his side come from behind in both his games to edge 3-2 victories over Hibernian and Aberdeen.
While Gers were good value for that triumph over Hibs at Ibrox after a dominant second-half display, the same could not be said for their incredible midweek win at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen fully merited their 2-1 lead with the game deep into stoppage-time only for a handling error by Kelle Roos to spark an astonishing collapse as Scott Arfield netted twice to pinch the points.
That allowed Beale's side to keep a bit of pressure on Celtic at the top but he knows Rangers need to step up their performances ahead of the New Year derby at Ibrox.
Ross County find themselves battling relegation and returned from the break with a 2-1 loss at home to St Johnstone. But Malky Mackay's men were leading in that match before Jack Baldwin's red card and were in decent form before the shutdown for Qatar 2022.
The Staggies have caused Rangers problems in recent seasons and Mackay will take heart from the way both Hibs and Aberdeen exploited Beale's vulnerable defence.
How the bookies view it
Despite their unconvincing displays under Beale, Rangers are still heavy favourites for this one at a best 1/3 with Bet365. Ross County are as big as 17/2 with William Hill and the draw pays 9/2 with Betfred.
Recent head to head
Rangers dropped points on their last trip to Dingwall as a late Matthew Wright goal salvaged a point for the Staggies in a 3-3 thriller. But that has been the only blip in the last 14 meetings, with all the other games ending in victories for the Ibrox side. Ross County are still waiting to claim their first victory over Rangers, with four draws the best they have mustered across 20 matches.
Players to watch
Ryan Kent's future at Ibrox remains unclear with his contract ticking down but the winger seems to have been given a new lease of life since Beale returned to the club. He's playing more centrally and that's allowing Kent to have a lot more efforts at goal, with his strike forcing the error from Roos that saved the day at Pittodrie. The Englishman is 9/2 for anytime scorer in Dingwall.
Jordan White's height will be a threat to Rangers at set-pieces and the Staggies striker scored four goals against them in the meetings last season. He also netted against Saints last weekend and is 19/5 at Unibet for another strike here.
Anything else catch the eye?
I cashed in by backing BTTS in Rangers' clash with Hibs as the Ibrox defence looked a bit vulnerable with some square pegs in round holes. The injury issues are easing a little with Conor Goldson and Ben Davies both making their comebacks at Aberdeen but I'd say BTTS still stands a chance here at 19/20 (Bet365), with Ross County generally good value in that market.
These sides have been playing out some thrillers, with four or more goals scored in each of the last seven meetings. Given Beale's first two games have ended in 3-2 wins, I like the look of over 3.5 goals here at 31/20 with Paddy Power.
With key stopper Baldwin suspended, Keith Watson is set to deputise at the back for Ross County. He will be battling Alfredo Morelos so looks a good option for a card once that market is priced up.
Rangers are generally good value in the corner handicap and I'd expect them to have most of the ball and pressure. Backing the Ibrox side at -4 in that handicap pays 21/20 at Bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Ross County and Rangers will be played on Dec 23, 2022 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best Ross County vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
