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Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 4
Aug 16, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
Tony Macaroni Arena
RL

Livingston
0 - 0
Rangers


Holt (74')
FT

Morelos (65')

Preview: Livingston vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

:Headline: Preview: Livingston vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups: ID:410252: from db_amp
Sports Mole previews Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture between Livingston and Rangers, including team news and predicted lineups.

Rangers square off against Livingston on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their winning streak at the start of the new Scottish Premiership campaign to four matches.

Meanwhile, Livingston welcome the league leaders to The Tony Macaroni Arena still looking for their first victory of the season.


Match preview

While the importance of early season form is sometimes brushed off, there is little doubting that these early weeks for Rangers could prove to be the difference between ending their decade-long wait for a league title and another runners-up spot.

With Celtic sidelined due to coronavirus issues, a scenario has emerged where their fierce rivals can move eight points clear by the end of the weekend.

Given the games in hand for his side, Neil Lennon will feel comfortable with the situation, but opposite number Steven Gerrard will be stressing to his squad that they have to take advantage of the opportunity to build a commanding lead.

Although speculation persists regarding the future of Alfredo Morelos, the Colombian has played his part in the Glasgow giants scoring seven goals without reply against Aberdeen, St Mirren and St Johnstone respectively.

For Gerrard, however, it is all about the team, and there is every sign that he has put together a squad which may be capable of pushing Celtic harder than their previous two attempts.

From Livingston's perspective, there would have been a sense of relief after they twice battled back to claim a share of the spoils at Motherwell on Wednesday night.

The 4-1 defeat at home to Hibernian in the previous game had hinted that Gary Holt may have a problem in getting his squad quickly back on track, even at this early stage of the season.

However, the comeback at Fir Park, which came when having to deal with an early injury to Ciaron Brown, will only encourage the Lions boss ahead of welcoming the form team in the country.

With two teams remaining on zero points behind them, it also provides Holt with a bit more leeway when it comes to trying to spring a surprise against Rangers or Aberdeen the following week.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form: LLD

Rangers Scottish Premiership form: WWW
Rangers form (all competitions): WLWW


Team News

Gerrard must decide whether to hand a recall to Allan McGregor after injury or stick with deputy stopper Jon McLaughlin.

With Leon Balogun missing through a minor fitness issue, Filip Helander is expected to be recalled in the middle of the defence.

Gerrard has hinted that Kemar Roofe will remain on the substitutes' bench, leaving Morelos to continue in attack.

Holt has acknowledged that Brown is likely to miss Sunday's contest, which could result in a start for Efe Ambrose.

The Livingston boss has also hinted that he could rotate his squad after their efforts in midweek.

Livingston possible starting lineup:
McCrorie; Fitzwater, Ambrose, Guthrie, Taylor-Sinclair; Bartley, Sibbald; Forrest, Pittman, Robinson; Dykes

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Barisic; Jack, Kamara; Hagi, Aribo, Kent; Morelos


We say: Livingston 0-3 Rangers

While Livingston produced an improved showing in midweek, we still feel that Rangers will have far too much for their hosts in the final third. Gerrard has improved competition for places, and that could lead to another clinical showing at the weekend.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Draw:data


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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts000046341262
4Kilmarnock00004334951
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
Relegation Group
1Hibernian00004451-739
2Motherwell00004651-537
3Aberdeen00003549-1435
4St Johnstone00002446-2231
5Ross County00003256-2430
6Livingston00002259-3718
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718
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