The Scottish Premiership resumes after it’s deep winter hibernation with a full set of midweek fixtures including a clash between the teams currently lying third and second in the table – Kilmarnock and Rangers.
Kilmarnock News and Form
Killie have won four and drawn one of five matches since thumped 5-1 at Celtic early last month. They have won their last five matches at Rugby Park, conceding only two goals. Steve Clarke has done a terrific job at the Ayrshire club and says he is happy with his current squad and won’t be looking to make many signings before the transfer window closes. But he faces a selection dilemma against Rangers as star midfielder Jordan Jones has signed a pre-contract with the Glasgow club and will move to Ibrox in the summer – there must be a chance of a conflict of loyalties.
Rangers News and Form
Rangers could give a debut for new signings Jermaine Defoe and Steven Davis. The former England striker and the Northern Ireland captain were both due to play in last week’s postponed Scottish Cup tie at Cowdenbeath and Steven Gerrard is keen to get both involved. The Gers are also looking to tie up a deal for American Matt Polster but insist top scorer Alfredo Morelos is not for sale. Rangers are on a six-game unbeaten run in the Premiership and went into the break on a high after winning the Old Firm derby and throwing the title race wide-open. But this is a tough one, though they have already won at Rugby Park in the :League Cup this season.
Kilmarnock v Rangers Head-to-Heads
Four of the last seven Premiership games between the two sides have ended in draws. None of the last 11 meetings in the league has produced more than three goals, though Rangers won 3-1 at Rugby Park last August.
Kilmarnock v Rangers Current Best Odds
Kilmarnock 17/4, Draw 3/10, Rangers 4/6
Kilmarnock v Rangers Predictions
While the new signings have excited Rangers fans almost as much as that defeat of Celtic last month, neither has had much game time recently and Killie appear to have been underestimated by bookmakers as their recent form is on a par with the away side. This looks a tight encounter on paper and Under 3.5 in the Total Goals Over/Under market looks a sure thing at the general 4/11. Kilmarnock are interesting getting a goal start in the handicap betting at 13/10, the same odds as Kilmarnock-Draw in the Double Chance market. A home win is 17/4 with a 1-1 Correct Score at 7/1 with BetVictor.
