Rangers arrive at Almondvale on a high after Thursday’s defeat of Porto in the Europa League. That was another famous European night at Ibrox but the Light Blues will have to quickly refocus to take on a Livingston side that put a dent in Celtic’s title defence just a few weeks ago.
Scottish Premiership Betting at Coral
Livingston Form and Team News
Livi have not won in four matches since that defeat of the Hoops and they’d lost their four matches prior to that unexpected victory, which is increasingly looking like a flash in the pan.
They had made a better-than-anticipated start to the season but have now slipped into the bottom half of the table. That said, their goal difference is only just in the negative, even though they are not prolific goalscorers.
Steven Lawless is their top scorer having netted five times in the Premiership so far this season. Lyndon Dykes, normally the lone striker, has three goals. But manager Gary Holt has had to take measure to strengthen his defensive options after Ibrahima Savane was released from his contract and allowed to return to France. With Centre-back Cece Pepe ruled out until after the winter break after sustaining a calf injury, the much-travelled Aaron Taylor-Sinclair has been drafted in on a short-term deal. The former Doncaster, Plymouth and Motherwell left-back will likely be in the squad to play Rangers, who have already beaten Livi twice this season.
Rangers Form and Team News
Steven Gerrard will likely shuffle his pack against Livingston after his players did him proud against Porto on Thursday. But it will be hard to leave out the ever-improving Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos has scored five goals in three matches since being rested against Motherwell.
The Gers have won their last four matches, the last three without conceding a goal, and are unbeaten in seven in all competitions. Only goal difference separates them and Celtic going into the weekend fixtures and they will be keen not to fall any further behind ahead of the international break – Celtic play third-placed Motherwell at the same time.
Connor Goldson and Filip Helander have the makings of a solid partnership at the heart of the Rangers defence and Allan McGregor’s return in goal against Porto was timely. There is always a danger that the artificial pitch at the Tony Macaroni Arena will witness a low for Gerrard’s team after the highs of Thursday but the manager will be reminding his players of Celtic’s defeat last month.
Livingston vs Rangers Live Stats & Betting Odds
Livingston vs Rangers Head-to-Heads
Rangers have won their last four matches against Livingston and have only conceded one goal in those games, scoring three goals in their last three Premiership clashes.
Livingston vs Rangers Current Best Odds
Livingston 12/1, Draw 5/1, Rangers 1/4 (Odds correct at 3.00pm November 8)
Livingston vs Rangers Predictions
It’s almost impossible to envisage anything but an easy Rangers victory in this if they apply themselves correctly. There is always the danger of an adverse reaction to an excellent Europa League victory in midweek but Steven Gerrard has the resources and squad size to rest players without losing any momentum. Livi’s squad is paper-thin at present and they will struggle to make much of an impression on their visitors’ back-line. Rangers -2 on the Handicap with Paddy Power are 2/1. A 0-3 Correct Score is a general 7/1.
