Rangers vs St Johnstone Predictions

Rangers v St Johnstone predictions for this Scottish League Cup fixture. Scottish League Cup holders Rangers begin their title defence on Saturday, facing St Johnstone in a second-round clash at Hampden Park. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish League Cup | Second Round | Aug 17, 2024 at 5.45pm UK at Hampden Park

Rangers vs St Johnstone Predictions

Will Rangers’ Resilience Shine Through Against St Johnstone?

Rangers are set to face St Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup’s second round at Hampden Park, a fixture that carries significant weight for both sides. Rangers, the current holders of the cup, are eager to put behind them the disappointment of their recent Champions League exit. Meanwhile, St Johnstone, fresh from a promising start to their season, will be looking to test their mettle against one of Scotland’s giants. As these two teams prepare to clash, a detailed analysis of their recent performances, tactical setups, and key players provides insight into what we can expect from this intriguing matchup.

Rangers’ Recent Struggles and Potential for Redemption

Rangers have had a mixed start to their season, with early signs of promise being overshadowed by a bitter exit from the Champions League at the hands of Dynamo Kiev. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Rangers’ hopes were dashed in the return fixture at Hampden Park, where they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. The turning point in that match was the controversial sending off of summer signing Jefte, a decision that left manager Philippe Clement fuming. However, despite his frustrations, Clement knows that his team must quickly regroup and focus on the domestic front.

In their opening two Scottish Premiership games, Rangers have shown glimpses of their potential, collecting four points. Their attacking play has been somewhat inconsistent, with Cyriel Dessers scoring the crucial equaliser in the first leg against Dynamo Kiev, but struggling to find the net consistently. With key players like Ridvan Yilmaz and Nicolas Raskin sidelined due to injuries, Rangers have had to shuffle their lineup, which has impacted their fluidity on the pitch.

Nevertheless, the Light Blues are expected to come out strong against St Johnstone, determined to make amends for their recent setbacks. Their attacking prowess, when fully firing, can be devastating, particularly with the likes of Danilo and Rabbi Matondo pushing for starting roles. Additionally, the return of Scott Wright and the potential debut of Vaclav Cerny could inject some much-needed creativity into the side.

St Johnstone’s Tactical Resilience and Attacking Potential

St Johnstone, on the other hand, enter this match with a solid foundation to build upon. Having topped their group in the Scottish League Cup, the Saints have shown they can be both resilient and lethal in attack. Their recent 5-1 thrashing of East Fife was a clear statement of intent, though it was followed by a sobering 2-1 loss to Aberdeen. However, they bounced back impressively with a 3-0 away victory over Kilmarnock, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.

Craig Levein's side is known for their disciplined approach, often setting up in a compact formation designed to frustrate opponents. This strategy will likely be on full display against Rangers, with St Johnstone looking to absorb pressure and hit on the counter-attack. The Saints' attack, spearheaded by Adama Sidibeh and Benjamin Kimpioka, has been in fine form, with the duo already contributing significantly to their team's goal tally this season.

Levein’s experience in setting up defensively sound teams will be crucial as they aim to stifle Rangers’ attack while exploiting any vulnerabilities at the back. Given Rangers' recent defensive lapses, particularly their struggles to keep clean sheets, St Johnstone will fancy their chances of causing an upset, especially if they can take advantage of set-piece opportunities and quick transitions.

Tactical Dynamics and Key Areas of the Field

This encounter is likely to be shaped by the tactical approaches of both managers. Philippe Clement, despite his frustrations with recent results, is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation that offers balance between attack and defence. The midfield duo, likely comprising Dowell and Diomande, will play a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game, while the attacking trio behind the lone striker will be tasked with breaking down St Johnstone’s defensive lines.

Rangers’ full-backs, particularly captain James Tavernier, will be pivotal in providing width and supporting the attack. Tavernier’s ability to deliver dangerous crosses and his set-piece prowess could be key in unlocking St Johnstone’s defence. However, with Ridvan Yilmaz out, the left-back position remains a concern, potentially forcing Clement to deploy Jefte out of position, which could be a weak spot that St Johnstone look to exploit.

St Johnstone, in contrast, will likely adopt a 3-5-2 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing quick transitions through the wings. The midfield battle will be intense, with St Johnstone’s MacPherson and Smith expected to disrupt Rangers’ play and launch counters. The wide areas, particularly where Rangers' full-backs push forward, will be key battlegrounds, with St Johnstone likely to target these spaces when breaking forward.

Expected Goals (xG) Analysis

Looking at the expected goals (xG) data, Rangers have shown a reasonable attacking output in the early stages of the season, with an average xG per game that suggests they are creating chances but not converting them at a rate expected of a top team. Their xG from inside the box indicates that they are getting into good positions but need to improve their finishing to turn these opportunities into goals.

St Johnstone’s xG, while lower than Rangers’, reflects their more conservative approach. However, their ability to score from limited chances, particularly through their strike duo, highlights the efficiency of their attack. This efficiency could be crucial against a Rangers side that has struggled with defensive concentration in recent games.

Key Duels and Potential Game-Deciding Factors

One of the most intriguing aspects of this match will be the duel between Rangers’ central defenders and St Johnstone’s forwards, Sidibeh and Kimpioka. This matchup could very well decide the outcome of the game. Rangers' defence, led by John Souttar and a likely partner in Propper, will need to be at their best to contain the physicality and pace of St Johnstone’s attacking duo. If Rangers can neutralise this threat, they will significantly reduce St Johnstone’s chances of causing an upset.

In midfield, the battle between Dowell and MacPherson could also prove decisive. Both players are capable of driving their teams forward and breaking up opposition play. Whoever wins this midfield battle will likely dictate the flow of the game, either allowing Rangers to dominate possession or giving St Johnstone the opportunity to launch counter-attacks.

Suggested Improvements and Critical Analysis

For Rangers, one of the glaring issues has been their inconsistency in front of goal and a lack of composure in defensive situations. Philippe Clement must instill greater confidence in his backline, ensuring they maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes. Furthermore, Rangers’ attack needs to be more clinical, particularly in converting high-quality chances into goals. This is a team with the potential to dominate domestically, but they must show more ruthlessness if they are to fulfil that promise.

St Johnstone, while effective in their approach, could benefit from being more adventurous in possession. Levein’s tactics, while often effective, can be overly cautious, which might limit their ability to surprise stronger opponents. If St Johnstone are to progress further in this competition, they must find a better balance between defensive solidity and attacking ambition.

Heavy Criticism: St Johnstone’s Over-Reliance on Defensive Tactics

While St Johnstone’s defensive approach has yielded results against lesser opposition, it is unlikely to bring long-term success against teams of Rangers’ calibre. Craig Levein’s tendency to ‘park the bus’ can be frustrating to watch and often leaves his team exposed when they do finally concede. In matches where they need to be proactive, this approach fails to inspire confidence, as seen in their loss to Aberdeen. Levein must recognise that in modern football, even teams with limited resources need to show some attacking intent, particularly when facing opponents who will eventually find a way through a deep block.

Predictions

Best Bet: Rangers to Win and Both Teams to Score

Rangers are expected to secure a win, but their recent defensive frailties suggest that St Johnstone will likely find the net. St Johnstone’s efficiency in attack, combined with Rangers' shaky defence, makes this a compelling choice.

Correct Score Prediction: Rangers 3-1 St Johnstone

Building on the best bet, a 3-1 victory for Rangers seems the most plausible outcome. Rangers’ firepower should ultimately overwhelm St Johnstone, but the visitors are capable of scoring, especially given Rangers’ current defensive issues.

Goalscorer Prediction: Danilo to Score Anytime

Danilo, pushing for a start, is likely to be Rangers’ main threat in front of goal. Given his ability to find space and finish, he is a strong candidate to score during the match, particularly if he starts.

First Half Result: Rangers to Lead at Half-Time

Given Rangers’ need to assert themselves early after their recent disappointment, they are likely to come out strong from the outset. Expect Rangers to be leading at half-time as they aim to take control of the match.

Innovative Market Prediction: James Tavernier to Provide an Assist

Tavernier’s ability to deliver from set-pieces and open play makes him a prime candidate for an assist. With Rangers expected to dominate possession, his role in creating chances will be crucial, and backing him to assist a goal could offer value.

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