Rangers v Dundee United preview: Team news, where to watch, lineups, prediction
Philippe Clement will be eager to make a winning start ahead of a defining period for his Rangers tenure when his side host Dundee United on Saturday.
The Belgian bought himself valuable time to save his future at the Gers after the 1-0 win against Hearts before the international break, but his future has yet to be decided in Glasgow.
Preview
Cyriel Dessers’ sixth-minute goal at Ibrox last time out was enough to secure the three points against Hearts, but Clement will need a much more resounding victory against Dundee United on Saturday [23 November].
The work to bridge the nine-point gap between Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and Aberdeen begins now. Rangers will need to be perfect between now and the New Year to leave the side in a hopeful position heading into the January transfer window.
Clement has effectively lost the faith of the players and the supporters, and deservedly so, but he will be granted the opportunity to earn back the trust at Ibrox – his final chance.
Dundee United can move level on points or even leapfrog the Light Blues on Saturday if Jim Goodwin can manufacture a victory of three goals or more in Glasgow, a scenario which would guarantee the end of Clement’s spell in charge.
However, the Tangerines have proven inconsistent in the SPFL, producing spells of brilliance but have yet to sustain the form for long periods.
Therefore, the odds are in the Gers’ favour heading into the match, but still, the significance of the result cannot be understated as Clement begins the first of many must-win clashes; anything other than three points will not suffice.
Form Guide [Scottish Premiership]
Rangers: WLWLW
Dundee United: WDLLW
Head-to-Head [all competitions]
Dundee United 0-1 Rangers [15 September, 2024]
Rangers 2-0 Dundee United [1 April, 2023]
Dundee United 0-2 Rangers [8 January, 2023]
Rangers 2-1 Dundee United [17 September, 2022]
Rangers 2-0 Dundee United [8 May, 2022]
Team News for Rangers and Dundee United
Rangers received a massive blow over the international break. Neraysho Kasanwirjo is suspected of having sustained an ACL injury for the Netherlands in an Under-21s clash with England and is expected to face a considerable spell on the sidelines.
Oscar Cortes remains on the absentee list as he continues his injury rehabilitation and Tom Lawrence will miss the clash on the weekend, but the midfielder is in line to return to first-team training next week.
Rabbi Matondo, on the other hand, is on track to make his long-awaited return after the international break, and while he is unlikely to start, he could feature on the weekend barring any late setbacks.
For Dundee United, Craig Sibbald will be missing due to a groin injury and will not return to first-team action until December.
Ross Graham and Louis Moult are doubts heading into the clash but could feature depending on the results of late fitness tests.
Predicted lineups
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte, Barron, Raskin, Cerny, Diomande, Bajrami, Dessers
Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Strain, Sevelj, Babunski, Ferry, Stephenson, Dalby, Van der Sande
Where to watch Rangers v Dundee United?
The match at Ibrox kicks off at 3pm GMT on Saturday, 23 November, and will be unavailable to watch live for UK viewers but available to listen live on BBC Sport Scotland.
Prediction: Rangers 2-0 Dundee United
Clement understands he cannot afford to lose more ground at the top of the table, and he will undoubtedly field a side determined to beat Dundee United on Saturday.
The Light Blues have a favourable record against their upcoming opponents, and despite their troubles this season, the side should be able to get the job done at Ibrox.
Goodwin is performing a remarkable job at Dundee United, but this may be a step too far for his side in the face of a wounded Rangers that will be prepared to send a statement of intent to the SPFL with a comprehensive victory.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson blasts Michael Beale for what he said about his time at the Gers.
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