On Matchday five of the Scottish Premiership, Rangers will travel to Tannadice. This could be an away loss that determines their destiny for this season. At least, it’s too early for me to describe this game as a season-defining one. But the stakes are still pretty high.
The current situation
The rangers are quite precarious under the guidance of Philippe Clement. A series of disappointments, including a heavy defeat by Celtic, have left them in very difficult positions. The loss to undefeated Dundee United will leave them eight points behind Celtic and Aberdeen, posing a significant challenge for Clement to overcome in his team’s quest to return to contention.
Despite this pressure, Clement remains hopeful. His optimism is one of those finer qualities that comes at a time when confidence and morale are the most important assets. However, the Belgian manager has been positive that things will turn around with John Bennett’s resignation as the club’s chairman. He is doing everything possible to get the Rangers back to winning ways and close the gap at the top.
Dundee United’s form
But on the other side, Dundee United, under Jim Goodwin, is having the dream start of the season. Despite spending a few seasons at Aberdeen, Goodwin has truly rejuvenated his career with the Tangerines. With two victories and as many draws thus far in the season, Dundee United maintains a slight advantage over the unbeaten teams, Celtic and Aberdeen.
Dundee United would be the victor, increasing the lead over Rangers to four points with further consolidation into the upper echelons of the table. Goodwin’s team has demonstrated their strength in recent performances.
The Line Ups
This is how both teams have confirmed their respective starting XI’s for this big game:
Dundee United: Walton, Holt, Graham, Trojanowski, Babinsky, Ferry, Sibbald, Adegboyega, Stephenson, Van Der Sande, Gallagher.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Soutar, Propper, Jefte, Barrin, Diomande, Dowell, Lawrence, Cortes, and Dessers.
There is enough experience in each team to make this match very exciting.
What’s at stake
For Rangers, it’s more than just another game—the chance to try and regain a little lost ground and confidence. The backlash from their defeat in the previous derby still hangs freshly in the air, and the fans are only yearning to see a stronger response. In the meantime, their title-chasing rivals, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic and Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen, press on. This puts the onus on Rangers to win back as they try to stay in contention for the title, having eased off some of the mounting pressure.
A victory would be just good morale and an explicit declaration of the intentions that Dundee United have with regard to the season, while the maximum boost to their present position as tough contenders in the Scottish Premiership will be clear.
Live With Us
It’s all going to be a very thrilling encounter when the Scottish Premiership action resumes after the international break with this intriguing fixture at Tannadice. Do not miss one single moment of the action as Dundee United and Rangers go head-to-head. Stay glued for updates, highlights, and analysis of this all-important match.
