Rangers, aiming to reclaim their Scottish FA Cup title for the first time since 2022, are set to face lower-league Fraserburgh at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The clash promises to be a classic David versus Goliath tale, as the hosts stand among Scotland's most prestigious clubs, while the visitors ply their trade in the fifth tier of the Scottish football pyramid.
Match preview
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At first glance, it may appear as though Rangers are enjoying a largely positive 2024-25 campaign, but their season has been anything but successful thus far.
The Gers already trail Scottish Premiership league leaders Celtic by a significant 13 points after 23 matches, owing largely to their highly inconsistent run of results throughout the campaign, particularly in the early stages.
Philippe Clement faced major criticism after leading the team to only seven wins, two draws and three losses in their first 12 league games, a run of results that left them considerably behind Celtic at the top of the table, a gap they have yet to bridge.
Rangers have, for the most part, appeared to turn a corner in the following 11 league outings, winning seven, drawing three and losing just one, including impressive victories against Celtic (3-0) and Aberdeen (3-0).
The Gers have found greater success in cup competitions this season, on course to finish in the top eight of the Europa League, while they made it to the final of the Scottish League Cup against Celtic, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Determined to exact revenge on their Old Firm rivals, Rangers will be entering the Scottish FA Cup with the goal of dethroning Celtic and reclaiming the trophy for the first time since 2021-22.
The hosts will be overwhelming favourites to comfortably progress into the fifth round of the competition, given their opponents, Fraserburgh, compete several tiers below the Gers.
The visitors currently find themselves placed ninth in the Highland Football League, the fifth tier of the Scottish football pyramid, with 30 points from 19 games, after seven wins, nine draws and three defeats.
After enduring a difficult period throughout September, which saw Fraserburgh lose four and draw one in a five-game run, the Broch have been massively improved in their following outings.
Fraserburgh now head into this one having avoided defeat in their last 12 fixtures, including wins against Rothes (8-0), Turriff United (3-1) and Annan Athletic (2-0) in the first three rounds of this competition.
Having been defeated in their last two appearances in the fourth round, losing 3-0 to Stenhousemuir in 2013-14 and 3-0 to Rangers in 2017-18, Fraserburgh will be hoping to secure a shock victory and advance to the fifth round this time.
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Team News
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Rangers are expected to be without the services of Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Tom Lawrence for this match due to ongoing injury issues, while Robin Propper may not feature after coming off with an injury in their last outing.
With a crucial Europa League clash against Manchester United looming on Thursday, Clement is likely to have one eye on that game and may opt to rest several key starters here.
Cyriel Dessers has lost his place in the starting 11 to Hamza Igamane in recent weeks, but he may have the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot against Man United, with a likely inclusion in this match.
As for Fraserburgh, having not played a competitive match since the end of December, their players are likely to be well-rested for this encounter, with a full-strength team expected to start.
Scott Barbour is Fraserburgh's top scorer this season with 13 goals in 27 appearances, and the striker is anticipated to lead the line in this one.
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Tavernier, Balogun, Nsiala, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; McCausland, Danilo, Hagi; Dessers
Fraserburgh possible starting lineup:
J Barbour; Aitken, Simpson, Hay, Sweenie-Rowe; Strachan, West, Beagrie, Watt; S Barbour, Butcher
We say: Rangers 4-0 Fraserburgh
Rangers are undoubtedly the favourites to secure a considerable victory given they compete several tiers higher than the visitors, and we expect a significant win here for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
