RANGERS will look to make it four consecutive wins in all competitions at Sunday lunchtime as they make the long trip north to take on Ross County.
Rangers put in easily their best performance domestically this season in midweek, as they thrashed Kilmarnock 6-0 at Ibrox to move four points behind second-placed Aberdeen with a game in hand.
That result made it three wins on the bounce in all competitions for Phillipe Clement’s men, as they followed up their impressive 1-4 victory away at Nice in the Europa League by winning 0-1 away at St Johnstone last Sunday.
The Belgian boss will hope that starts an upturn of form away from home domestically, as The Gers have only won twice across their opening six road trips (W2-D1-L3), scoring just three times.
Ross County failed to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season last weekend, as they were thrashed 5-0 away at Celtic Park, with the champions scoring all five goals in the first half.
Nevertheless, matches like that won’t dictate Ross County’s season, and they come into this clash having picked up 12 points from their opening eight home fixtures (W3-D3-L2), with both defeats coming in narrow losses against leaders Celtic (1-2) and second-placed Aberdeen (0-1).
How the bookies view it: Gers unsurprising favourites
Rangers are on their best form of the season and are 11/50 favourites at Kwiff to make it four wins on the bounce in all competitions.
The same firm are pricing Ross County at 8/1 to claim back-to-back home wins against Rangers, whilst the draw is 19/5.
Head to head: County looking for back-to-back home wins
Rangers thrashed Ross County 6-0 at Hampden in the Premiership at the beginning of the campaign, but The Staggies claimed their first-ever victory against Rangers at the 22nd attempt in The Gers’ previous trip to Dingwall.
Players to watch: Another Hamza Bonanza?
Hamza Igamane had scored three goals in the Europa League – including a stunning double in Nice – but finally got off the mark domestically in midweek with a sweet strike.
Ronan Hale is The Staggies’ leading scorer in the Premiership with five, with four of those coming at their Dingwall base.
Probable line-ups
Don Cowie may opt to shuffle his pack following their 5-0 thumping at Celtic Park last weekend, but defender Will Nightingale will remain out on the sidelines.
Rangers will be without on-loan Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Tom Lawrence, Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling, but Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo did return to full training on Friday.
Ross County: Laidlaw, Wright, Campbell, Leak, Brown, Telfer, Nisbet, Harmon, Chilvers, Hale, White
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Hagi, Danilo, Igamane
Anything else catch the eye?”
Phillipe Clement decided to drop one of his number 6s and play an extra forward on Wednesday night – something the fans have been asking for for years in domestic matches in which they are heavy favourites – and it paid dividends with Rangers looking much more of an attacking threat against a low-block.
It will be interesting to see if the Belgian opts for the same tactics away from home on Sunday, but those three straight wins and overall improved performances should result in The Gers claiming all three points.
The Staggies have already lost at home to the top two narrowly, so a Rangers win and under four goals once again is my preferred play.
This Scottish Premiership match between Ross County and Rangers will be played on Dec 8, 2024 and kick off at 12:00. 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.
