Ross Countyvs.Rangers

At a time when the Glasgow giants trail their city rivals by one point heading into the weekend, Ross County are 11th and four points adrift of safety.

Match preview

Earlier in the year, Rangers were desperate for a break from midweek fixtures, yet they could not hide their anger in seeing such a match postponed on Wednesday.

For the second time in the space of a few weeks, the game at Dundee was postponed due to an unplayable pitch, on both occasions within hours of kickoff.

Philippe Clement's side had wanted to build on the momentum that they had generated from the dramatic 3-3 draw with Celtic just three days earlier.

Rangers came from 2-0 and 3-2 down to earn a share of the spoils with their Old Firm neighbours, ensuring that the race for the title remains very much in their own hands.

If Celtic can defeat St Mirren on Saturday, though, their advantage at the top will be extended to four points with Rangers having played two matches fewer, helping the pressure on this contest.

As for Ross County, they would have preferred to have been facing a Rangers outfit that are not well-rested as they bid to avoid relegation.

Losing in close games at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock has left Don Cowie's side sitting four points adrift of 10th spot, and still nine points clear of bottom-placed Livingston.

Barring a miracle upturn in fortunes for Livingston, a relegation playoff could be a worst-case scenario for Ross County, with there now being a direct-fight with St Johnstone to avoid that situation.

However, this is a team that have won just two of their last 17 top-flight fixtures, albeit both at home where they have a solid return of 19 points from 15 games with just the 18 goals conceded.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

D

W

L

L

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

L

W

D

Rangers form (all competitions):

L

D

W

L

W

D

Team News

Although the extra days rest could influence Clement's Rangers selection, he may still tinker with his starting lineup.

Abdallah Sima, Todd Cantwell and Rabbi Matondo could all be brought into the final third after their efforts against Celtic.

Dujon Sterling may keep his spot ahead of Borna Barisic at left-back, but Ryan Jack and Oscar Cortes are among the players that will still miss out for Rangers.

George Harmon could be brought into the Ross County starting lineup at wing-back with Josh Reid being withdrawn before half time at Kilmarnock.

Yan Dhanda and Josh Sims are both pushing for recalls further forward, but Cowie may decide against making too many alterations.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Wickens; Ayina, Baldwin, Leak; Efete, Randall, King, Harmon; Brophy, White, Murray

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Sterling; Diomande, Lundstram; Sima, Cantwell, Matondo; Dessers

We say: Ross County 0-2 Rangers

Having performed solidly in recent weeks, Ross County will feel capable of frustrating Rangers in front of their own supporters. However, the visitors should have enough quality to come through with maximum points, potentially with a goal in either half.

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