Rangers: BBC pundit makes score prediction for showdown v Dundee
Rory Loy has predicted Rangers will beat Dundee by the odd goal due to the quality in their ranks when the two sides go head-to-head on Sunday (17 March).
Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast on Friday (15 March), the pundit said it’s a “tough one to call” because the Dark Blues are a very good side and defend their box well despite them being “susceptible to the odd hammering” this season.
But he believes the Gers will have the motivation to go out and win the game as they look to strengthen their title ambitions at Dens Park following their Europa League defeat to Benfica on Thursday (14 March).
“It’s difficult to call because Dundee are a very good side,” said Loy. “They sit sixth in the league, quite rightly so. But they are susceptible to the odd hammering should we say when they don’t perform in these games. Rangers beat them beat 5-0 at Dens Park, Celtic took seven off them at Celtic Park.
“Tony Docherty will be very aware of that, so I think you might see a slightly more defensive setup than you normally see from Tony Docherty just to avoid any potential heavy scoreline. But Dundee have got the players in their ranks to really hurt teams.
“They are not going to win any medals for the old playing out from the back some of the players at Dundee, but my goodness they defend their box really well and they’ve got a good goalkeeper in Trevor Carson as well.
“Rangers coming off the back of last night, I genuinely don’t think there will be too much disappointment. I think they went out to a very good side, very narrow result over two legs. I think you can stomach that, you can deal with that, you don’t want to go out of Europe, but it’s happened and they move on to Dens.
“I think it’s a tough one to call, but I just think the quality that Rangers have got and the motivation they’ve got to go and win the game, I think they might win it by the odd goal.”
Rangers looking to bounce back against Dundee
This is a game where Rangers know they need to get back to winning ways following the defeat against Benfica despite putting up a decent showing in the Europa League.
They will be desperate to pick up the three points after the loss against Motherwell in their latest SPL fixture handed Celtic a chance to regain top spot, but they weren’t able to capitalise on that slip-up.
Although it’s potentially a difficult game for the Gers depending on how Dundee come out of the traps, they will be confident that they can claim another victory on the road at Dens Park.
Philippe Clement will be looking for his side to head into the international break on top of the pile, ensuring there are no regrets hanging over them for a couple of weeks.
There could be a slight shake-up to the starting lineup as the Light Blues boss looks to utilise his squad, but whoever steps out onto the pitch will be motivated to get the job done.
In other Rangers news, Keown has raved about an underappreciated Gers star after what he’s seen.
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