Rangers Face Dundee in the Scottish Premiership: Opposition Preview

After a week off due to a lack of European football this season, Rangers return to action this Saturday as they take on Dundee away from home for match day nine of this Scottish Premiership season.

So, what can we expect from the hosts on Saturday night?

Although there have been ups and downs, it has overall been a decent start to the season for Dundee under manager Steven Pressley, as they currently sit fourth in the Premiership with 13 points from their opening eight games.

Some good news for Rangers is that striker Joe Westley, who is the team’s top scorer with three goals in seven league games, is set to miss this one through injury, alongside Bobby Wales, Simon Murray (also strikers), as well as Finlay Robertson and Ryan Finnigan (midfielders).

So, clearly, Pressley’s side are a little hamstrung heading into the game this weekend. In terms of dangermen who could play this weekend, centre forward Ashley Hay netted a stoppage time winner last time out, and has also found the net twice in the League Cup. 

Midfielder Alfie Harrison has the highest market value of any player in the Dundee squad, with a market value of £857k. However, as it happens, he is yet to actually make his debut for the club, having signed from Premier League side Newcastle United during the summer transfer window. The first time he was in a match day squad was last time out, so it seems like he is nearly ready to make his debut, and could do so during this game.

This certainly won’t be an easy game for Derek McInnes’ side. Saturday night under the lights at home, Rangers in town, their fans will be bang up for this one. Nevertheless, the Gers are the heavy favourites for this one, being priced up by the bookies at 7/20, with the hosts at a big 6/1 to win the game.

Potential Dundee starting XI to face Rangers on Saturday; Goodman; Wright, Astley, O. Bevan, Samuels; J.Bevan, Jones, Hamilton, Forrest; Fink, Hay.

Let’s see what happens. A chance to go top of the league for the first time this season with three points, depending on how Celtic fare against Hearts 24 hours later. Psychologically, Rangers going top on Saturday could spook their fierce rivals, losing top spot for the first time this season, even with the game in hand, and that could play a part in their game. Let's see.