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

By Matthew Wilkinson, Reporter | 15 March 2024

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash between Dundee and Rangers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Rangers will look to strengthen their grip at the top of the Scottish Premiership when they make the trip to Dundee on Sunday.

The hosts shall provide stern opponents, though, as they continue to push for a place in the top four this season.

Match preview

Aberdeen assistant Tony Docherty pictured in 2016 © Reuters

Dundee have reacted well after suffering a heavy 7-1 loss against Celtic, drawing against Kilmarnock, and then defeating Aberdeen in their most recent outing to place pressure on those directly above them.

Tony Docherty's men came out on top of a close game against the Dons in midweek when a Luke McCowan penalty proved to be the only goal as the Dark Blues showcased their defensive structure.

The result kept Dundee in the hunt for a European place this season, with the club just six points behind St Mirren, who currently occupy fourth position.

Another positive result this weekend would help take Docherty's team one step closer to that, but they will need to keep things tight at the back against the second-strongest attacking outfit in the league.

No team has conceded more in the Scottish Premiership than Dundee this season, and that could be a sticking point against a Rangers team that has proven to be lethal in front of goal.

Rangers' James Tavernier celebrates scoring their second goal on February 18, 2024 © Reuters

The attacking qualities of the Gers have been showcased in the two previous meetings with Dundee this season as they ran away 3-1 winners at home, while they won 5-0 during their visit to Dens Park.

However, Rangers were unable to find the back of the net in midweek which led to their Europa League journey coming to an end as they lost to Benfica 1-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

It was the latest result in what has been a sticky period for the Gers, as the club has only registered one win in the past four matches across all competitions which came against Hibernian in the Scottish FA Cup.

While Philippe Clement's men have been able to push to the top of the league, they also allowed Celtic to close the gap on them when they lost their most recent Scottish Premiership match against Motherwell.

That defeat ensured that the Hoops remain in touching distance which places pressure on every game for Rangers as they only have a two-point lead on their Old Firm rivals.

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

Rangers form (all competitions):

Team News

Rangers manager Philippe Clement applauds fans after the match on March 14, 2024 © Reuters

After keeping a clean sheet against Aberdeen, it is unlikely that Docherty will make any tweaks at the back, which could see a back three deployed once again which allows for extra bodies in the middle of the park.

Trevor Carson is currently out injured which will lead to Jon McCracken starting in goal, while there is a chance that Owen Beck could return to the squad.

However, Jordan McGhee, Josh Mulligan, Zach Robinson, Ryan Howley and Diego Pineda are all expected to remain on the sidelines for the Dark Blues due to injuries.

The visitors are also dealing with a plethora of injuries at the moment, with Dujan Sterling having picked up issues against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup.

Alongside them are Ryan Jack, Danilo, Abdallah Sima, Kieran Dowell, Alex Lowry, and Oscar Cortes, who are all also dealing with different problems which is stretching Clement's squad to its maximum.

However, the Gers were able to welcome Scott Wright and Todd Cantwell back to the team in midweek, while Ross McCausland overcame a knock to feature on the bench.

Dundee possible starting lineup:
McKracken; Portales, Shaughnessy, Donnelly; Sylla, Cameron, Boateng, McCowan, Main; Rudden, Bakayoko

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Yilmaz; Lundstram, Diomande; Matondo, Lawrence, Silva; Roofe

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We say: Dundee 1-2 Rangers

Dundee has been performing well recently and they will be sure to give Rangers plenty to think about this weekend as they continue to push for a place in the top four.

However, the attacking quality of the visitors is likely going to be too much for the Dark Blues as they aim to finish the weekend top of the league.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.