Rangers and Dundee United clash at Ibrox this evening
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Tangerines in Trouble? Dundee United Face Tall Task at Ibrox as Rangers Look to End Season with a Flourish
Scottish Premiership – Gameweek 37 | Wednesday, 14 May 2025 | Kick-off: 7:45pm (UK Time) | Ibrox Stadium
Rangers Seek Strong Finish as Dundee United Chase European Dream
As the Scottish Premiership season enters its penultimate chapter, all eyes turn to Ibrox on Wednesday evening where Rangers, firmly parked in second place, welcome a desperate Dundee United side still clinging to the hope of European qualification.
While Barry Ferguson’s Rangers can relax in the knowledge that their final league position is sealed, Dundee United are very much in “must-win” territory. Sitting fifth in the table and just three points adrift of the Europa League places, the visitors will need to summon something special to break their winless duck at Ibrox – something they haven’t done since August 2021.
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The Ibrox Rollercoaster: Rangers’ Season in Review
To say Rangers have had an up-and-down season would be a polite understatement. It all began under Philippe Clement – and ended, rather quickly, in disappointment. The Belgian’s tenure got off to the worst start to a league campaign since the club returned to the top flight in 2016-17. Then came an ignominious chapter in February, when the Gers crashed out of the Scottish FA Cup at the hands of Queen’s Park, marking their first-ever home defeat to a lower-division team in the competition’s 153-year history.
That result, followed by a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren, sealed Clement’s fate, and he was shown the door. In stepped club legend Barry Ferguson, who took over on an interim basis with the unenviable task of steadying a ship that had sprung more than a few leaks.
The early signs were promising. Ferguson won four of his first six matches at the helm, sparking hope that a permanent appointment might not be out of the question. However, six games without a win followed, threatening to undo all his progress. But football is fickle, and a 4-0 dismantling of Aberdeen in their last outing has given the Gers a welcome late-season lift – and handed Ferguson his first victory at Ibrox as manager.
Now, with just two matches left, Rangers will look to end the season with a flourish – and perhaps provide the gaffer with the strongest possible job application in the process.
Dundee United Still Battling, But Time Is Running Out
For newly-promoted Dundee United, merely surviving the Scottish Premiership would have constituted a job well done. But Jim Goodwin’s men have defied expectations, entering the split in fourth position and firmly in the mix for European qualification.
However, since the league divided into its top and bottom halves, things haven’t quite gone to plan. Three defeats from three post-split fixtures have seen the Tangerines slip to fifth, their European hopes hanging by a thread. They are now three points behind fourth-placed Aberdeen and six behind Hibernian, who currently occupy the Europa League slot.
If there’s to be a dramatic late push, it must start at Ibrox. But recent history is not on their side – Dundee United haven’t beaten Rangers in their last nine encounters. Worse still, they’ve managed just one goal in their last three games. If you’re a United fan, this might be the point where you reach for one of the bookies’ many great free bet bonuses, if only to provide a distraction.
Team News – Rotation or Consistency for Rangers?
With European qualification off the table and nothing left to fight for in terms of league position, Barry Ferguson could use this opportunity to test new combinations. Then again, after such a convincing performance against Aberdeen, he might be tempted to keep things largely unchanged.
Jack Butland’s understudy Robby McCrorie has had a few solid outings, but it was Robbie Kelly who earned the nod last time, and he should keep his spot in goal. In front of him, expect to see James Tavernier and Jefte operating as full-backs, with John Souttar and Leon Balogun marshalling the centre.
In midfield, Connor Barron and Nico Raskin should be tasked with pulling the strings. Further up the pitch, Diomande, Cerny, and Cyriel Dessers will likely form the attacking midfield trio behind striker Hamza Igamane, who could replace Nedim Bajrami after his quiet first-half showing against Aberdeen.
On the injury front, Rangers will still be without Dujon Sterling and Ridvan Yilmaz, both sidelined with lingering issues. Ianis Hagi is also unavailable for the remainder of the season.
Dundee United’s Struggles Up Top Continue
Jim Goodwin’s side are crying out for attacking inspiration. Sam Dalby remains the standout threat with 14 goals in 33 league appearances, but even he has struggled to make much headway during the club’s post-split slide.
The Tangerines will be without Luca Stephenson and Ross Graham – the latter expected to miss the rest of the campaign. In their absence, Jack Walton is set to keep goal, with a defensive line that includes Adegboyega, Gallagher and Sevelj. On the flanks, Ryan Strain and Ferry will provide width, while Trapanovski and Craig Sibbald look to control the tempo in midfield.
Glenn Middleton is likely to be deployed in a more advanced central role, tasked with linking up with Dalby and Louis Moult in attack. That trio must find some chemistry – and quickly – if Dundee United are to snatch anything from their trip to Ibrox.
Predicted Lineups – Familiar Faces Expected
Rangers XI: Kelly will be between the sticks, behind a back four of Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, and Jefte. Barron and Raskin should hold the midfield base, allowing Cerny, Diomande, and Dessers to support lone striker Igamane.
Dundee United XI: Walton is expected to start in goal, with defensive support from Adegboyega, Gallagher, and Sevelj. Strain and Ferry will patrol the flanks, while Trapanovski and Sibbald operate centrally. Middleton will provide creative input behind frontmen Dalby and Moult.
Final Whistle Forecast – Rangers to Edge It
The form book heavily favours Rangers. While their season hasn’t hit the heights fans had hoped for, the recent win over Aberdeen suggests they’ve rediscovered some attacking flair. Dundee United, meanwhile, look like a side running out of steam at the worst possible time.
Barry Ferguson will want to sign off his interim spell with a solid home performance, and his players are likely to oblige. Dundee United, for all their resilience, may find the Ibrox occasion too great a hurdle to clear.
Prediction: Rangers 2-0 Dundee United
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With Ibrox under the lights and European dreams on the line, it promises to be a cracking midweek fixture. Just don’t forget your free bet bonus – it might be the only safe bet in Scottish football this week.
From a Betting Perspective
As Rangers prepare to host Dundee United under the floodlights at Ibrox, the bookmakers have had their say – and it’s no surprise to see the hosts installed as clear favourites. Punters backing the Gers to pick up all three points will currently find best odds of 4/11, highlighting just how dominant Barry Ferguson’s side have been in this fixture over recent years.
For those anticipating a tighter contest or a stubborn Dundee United resistance, the draw is available at 19/4, while a brave punt on an away victory – which would be United’s first at Ibrox since 2021 – could be handsomely rewarded at 15/2.
When it comes to first goalscorer markets, it’s Cyriel Dessers who leads the way at 4/1. The powerful forward has shown a knack for breaking the deadlock in big matches and looks set to feature prominently again. Hot on his heels is Hamza Igamane, priced at 9/2, with Danilo Pereira just behind at 5/1 should he make an appearance off the bench or in a rotated lineup.
Vaclav Cerny, whose attacking flair makes him a constant threat, is available at 11/2 to open the scoring, while Tom Lawrence – capable of a goal from distance or a set piece – is attractively priced at 7/1. For those fancying a narrative bet, Ianis Hagi, despite being ruled out for the remainder of the season, is still listed at 15/2 – so perhaps avoid any last-minute temptation there unless he makes a miraculous recovery.
In the anytime goalscorer market, Dessers remains at the head of the betting at 59/50, which offers solid value for those expecting him to get on the scoresheet at some point. Igamane follows at 13/10, while Cerny is available at 6/4, a tempting price considering his recent form and creativity in the final third.
Danilo Pereira can be backed at 33/20, and again, assuming he features, could be one to watch, while Hagi’s inclusion at 9/4 again appears to be an optimistic listing from the traders – unless there’s been a Lazarus-style return kept under wraps.
Those hunting the perfect correct score bet have several intriguing options. A 2-1 win for Rangers is one of the joint favourites at 17/2, the same price as a 2-0 home victory – both outcomes reflecting the expectation that the Gers will dominate but not necessarily run riot.
A 3-1 win for the hosts is priced at 9/1, while a 3-0 scoreline sits just behind at 10/1 – both suitable for those anticipating a more clinical display from the home side. The 1-1 draw is also at 10/1, a nod to Dundee United’s occasional ability to frustrate stronger opponents. For the cautious optimist, 1-0 to Rangers comes in at 11/1, perhaps a shrewd play for those expecting a professional, if not explosive, performance.
With form, history and home advantage all pointing towards Rangers, the smart money is understandably backing the boys in blue. Still, with United fighting tooth and nail for a European place, there may yet be room for a surprise – and for the bolder punter, the prices on offer certainly provide food for thought.
