Preview: Dundee United vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a victory over St Johnstone, while the visitors travel to Tayside off the back of a draw with rivals Celtic.

Match preview

Dundee United have undergone something of a renaissance since the resumption of the Scottish Premiership following the World Cup break and look to be on the up under Liam Fox.

The Terrors have taken seven points from their last nine available and have notched consecutive wins propelling them into 11th in the table as they aim to stave off the threat of relegation.

Last time out, Tony Watt fired home in the 81st minute to give Dundee United a deserved victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park to claim some bragging rights in the Tayside Derby.

Dundee United fans will feel there is still potential for the club to enjoy a decent campaign despite a rocky start, though tough tests lie ahead if they are to completely turn things around.

On Sunday, Dundee United will need to be at their best if they have designs on gaining a result against a rejuvenated Rangers side.

Rangers come into this one in decent spirits and have managed to go five games unbeaten with new boss Michael Beale at the helm, though still find themselves nine points behind league leaders Celtic.

Changing manager has been beneficial at Ibrox, with some tactical rearrangements and personnel switches having a marked positive effect on performance levels.

Despite this, Rangers were left to rue their inability to see off Celtic in the latter stages of their contest on Monday, as Kyogo Furuhashi struck in the 88th minute for Celtic to ensure they would claim a 2-2 draw.

Winning the league from this position is looking like an extremely tall order for Rangers, though they will need to keep the pressure on Celtic in the hope that they eventually slip up.

Playing at Tannadice on Sunday will be another tough match for Rangers, though they will feel confident in their ability to seal three points due to recent displays.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

L

D

W

W

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

W

W

W

D

Rangers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

D

Team News

Dundee United midfielder Jamie McGrath is on the road to recovery from a calf injury, though the tie against Rangers will come too soon for the Irishman to make his return.

Steven Fletcher missed the win over St Johnstone because of illness though will be fit and ready to lead the line if called upon this Sunday.

Craig Sibbald played through the pain of sickness away to St Johnstone though has now fully recovered and is fit to play for the hosts. Peter Pawlett is sidelined with a calf problem and will not take any part against Rangers.

Rangers will be without Steven Davis due to an ACL injury that is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. Ridvan Yilmaz is still suffering the consequences of a hamstring tear and is also missing.

John Souttar, Filip Helander and Tom Lawrence are all long-term absentees and will not be fit to play at Tannadice at the weekend. Antonio Colak could make his comeback after sustaining a calf strain in late 2022.

Ianis Hagi is back in training though the Dundee United match will pass him by as he nears a return from a lengthy knee injury.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Freeman, Edwards, McMann; Smith, Levitt, Harkes, Sibbald, Behich; Middleton, Watt

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Kamara, Lundstram; Sakala, Tillman, Kent; Morelos

We say: Dundee United 1-2 Rangers

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect a tight affair between two sides seeking to lengthen their unbeaten streaks.

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