Preview: Ross County vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a loss against St Johnstone, while the visitors travel to the Highlands following a victory away to Aberdeen.

Match preview

Ross County have been in an inconsistent run of form in 2022-23 and sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership table, having picked up 15 points from 17 matches under Malky Mackay.

The Staggies have had a frustrating time in front of goal this campaign hitting the net just 14 times, which is the second-fewest number of goals scored in the league behind Kilmarnock.

Making their return to competitive action last weekend, Ross County were on the end of a 2-1 defeat at home to St Johnstone, with a double from Ali Crawford for the visitors being enough to cancel out a Jordan White opener.

Ross County have won just two of their nine matches at home in the Scottish Premiership this season and will need to up their game to try and claim a result on Friday.

Should they manage to topple Rangers, Ross County have the potential to move into ninth place in the division at the expense of Motherwell.

Rangers make the trip to the Global Energy Stadium following two consecutive victories as they look to narrow the gap at the top on leaders Celtic, who play host to St Johnstone on Saturday.

Michael Beale has made the ideal start to life in his new job, though will be aware there is no room for complacency as Rangers fight to keep their title hopes alive.

Last time out, Scott Arfield was on hand in the 95th and 97th minute to grant his side a dramatic 3-2 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium in a match littered with chances for both teams.

Nevertheless, Beale will be desperate to improve their fortunes on the road in the coming months, given that his side have won just four of their eight Scottish Premiership matches away from home in 2022-23.

Only a win will do for Rangers on Friday, as they aim to keep themselves as close as possible to Celtic ahead of their upcoming derby clash in the New Year.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

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L

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L

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

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L

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D

W

W

Rangers form (all competitions):

L

W

D

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W

Team News

Ross County will be without defender Jack Baldwin on Friday due to his straight red card in the defeat against St Johnstone last weekend.

Ross Callachan remains out of contention due to a hamstring injury, while Ben Purrington is still sidelined with an ankle knock.

Alex Samuel is the only other notable absentee, while Jordan Tillson is at risk of suspension if he picks up a booking during proceedings.

For the visitors, Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence will not be available for selection due to respective injuries. Filip Helander is still out with a foot problem, while Ianis Hagi is still struggling with a long-term knee issue.

Ridvan Yilmaz remains out with a hamstring injury, while Kemar Roofe will not be included in the matchday squad owing to recurring difficulty with his calf.

Connor Goldson is at risk of suspension if he is yellow carded at the Global Energy Stadium against Ross County.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Johnson, Watson, Iacovitti, Harmon; Loturi, Tillson; Edwards, Dhanda, Hiwula; White

Rangers possible starting lineup:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Devine; Kamara, Jack; Sakala, Arfield, Kent; Morelos

We say: Ross County 1-2 Rangers

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect an entertaining clash with plenty of chances for both sides as they search for an important three points.

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