St. Johnstone Vs Rangers

Rangers will shift their attention back to league action this Sunday, following a successful midweek European trip to France. The Scottish Premiership club, currently sitting in third place, will face a St Johnstone side that is positioned just above the relegation zone in ninth. 

After a positive start to the season, St Johnstone have been inconsistent, sitting four points clear of the relegation zone with a record of four wins, two draws, and three losses from their opening 14 league fixtures. This season has been a pivotal one for the Saints, with manager Simo Valakari only taking charge in early October after Craig Levein's departure. The Finnish coach has been at the helm for seven of those 14 matches, a period that has been marked by both highs and lows. Valakari's arrival initially inspired hope, with St Johnstone securing two wins from his first three matches. However, this brief period of optimism was quickly overshadowed by three consecutive defeats. The team seemed to have regained some confidence in their most recent match, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock. This result marked not only an important three points but also St Johnstone's second home win of the season, a key achievement for a team that has struggled to find consistency in their performances.

One of the bright spots of the victory against Kilmarnock was Makenzie Kirk's match-winning goal, his second of the league campaign. Kirk’s strike sealed a vital win for the Saints, but it was not just the goal that stood out. The team managed to keep a clean sheet in the match, their third of the season, offering a glimmer of hope to fans who have watched their team struggle defensively. St Johnstone's record at the back has been a significant concern this season, as they currently hold the worst defensive statistics in the league. However, the clean sheet against Kilmarnock, along with the victory, provided some much-needed reassurance for Valakari's side. Although their defensive issues remain a concern, the team's ability to grind out a win could signal a potential shift in their fortunes.

Despite this positive result, St Johnstone's main worry is their inability to score goals. They have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last seven meetings with Rangers, a statistic that will no doubt be weighing heavily on the minds of both Valakari and the players. This ongoing goal drought against one of the league's strongest teams could prove to be a significant obstacle as they prepare for Sunday's clash at McDiarmid Park.

On the other side of the pitch, Rangers come into the match under some scrutiny, with manager Philippe Clement facing increased pressure due to his team's inconsistent performances this season. Although the Gers are currently in third place, they have dropped points in five of their 14 league games, accumulating two draws and three losses. This lack of consistency has allowed Celtic to build a nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, a margin that could prove difficult to close as the season progresses.

Rangers' most recent league outing, a 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Ibrox, was a frustrating one. The Gers were held at home by a Dundee United side that has struggled in the league this season. Vaclav Cerny’s second-half equaliser rescued a point for Rangers, but the inability to secure a victory left the team feeling disappointed. This result was a continuation of Rangers' difficulties in securing consistent wins in the league. Despite being dominant in many of their matches, the team has repeatedly been unable to convert possession and chances into full points.

In contrast to their league form, Rangers found a much-needed confidence boost in their midweek Europa League encounter against Ligue 1 side Nice. In an impressive 4-1 victory, Rangers showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. Cerny and Mohamed Diomande each found the back of the net, while Hamza Igamane's brace capped off a commanding win. The result not only secured three vital points for the Gers in the Europa League but also lifted them to eighth place in the group stage, keeping their hopes of progression alive. The win in France was a clear reminder of Rangers' potential, and the team will be hoping to carry that momentum into their domestic fixtures.

While the victory over Nice was a positive turn of events, it does not mask the challenges Rangers face in the Scottish Premiership. One of the team's biggest issues has been their poor away form. They have only managed to secure one victory in five away matches in the league this season, along with one draw and three losses. This record highlights a clear area of concern for Rangers as they prepare to face St Johnstone on the road. Historically, the Gers have been a dominant force in away matches, but this season has seen them struggle to replicate that form on the travels, a trend they will need to break if they are to challenge for the title.

Rangers' failure to maintain consistency in the league is a pressing issue for Clement, who will be looking to get the team back to winning ways as quickly as possible. Despite the pressure on the manager, the team still boasts a wealth of talent capable of turning their season around. With players like Cerny, Diomande, and Igamane showing their quality on the European stage, it is clear that Rangers have the firepower to compete at the highest level. The question, however, is whether they can translate that form into their league performances, especially with key away fixtures like the one against St Johnstone ahead of them.

For St Johnstone, the challenge will be to find a way to break their goal-scoring drought against Rangers. The Saints will need to be defensively solid and take advantage of any chances they create in order to make an impact. With their defensive record still a concern, Valakari will likely urge his side to be compact at the back and try to frustrate Rangers. Given the Gers' struggles away from home, St Johnstone will feel that they have an opportunity to cause an upset, but they will need to overcome their historical goal-scoring issues against this opponent.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s match, it is clear that both teams will be motivated to secure three points. Rangers will be eager to maintain their position in the top three and keep up with Celtic, while St Johnstone will be fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Both sides have shown glimpses of quality this season, but their inconsistency has been their Achilles' heel. This clash offers both teams an opportunity to build some momentum, and while Rangers will go into the match as the favourites, the Saints' resilience at home could make for an interesting contest.

In conclusion, while Rangers will undoubtedly go into the match with more confidence following their European success, their struggles on the road this season mean that nothing can be taken for granted. St Johnstone, though under pressure, have shown that they can grind out results, and with a strong defensive display, they could make life difficult for the Gers. The match promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they look to navigate the challenges of the Scottish Premiership season. Rangers will be hoping to bounce back from their recent league disappointment and continue their push for the title, while St Johnstone will be focused on securing vital points to steer clear of the relegation zone.