Rangers host Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday in a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter.
The home side head into the clash without a head coach, following the decision to sack Russel Martin.
Rangers vs Dundee United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 18th October.
- Kick-off: 3pm BST.
- Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
Rangers Team News
Rangers find themselves in unprecedented turmoil following the sacking of head coach Russell Martin on October 5. The former Southampton manager lasted just 123 days in charge, overseeing only five wins in 17 matches across all competitions. His dismissal came after a frustrating 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Falkirk, which required a police escort to leave the stadium as angry supporters surrounded the team bus.
Under-19s coach Steven Smith will take temporary charge for Saturday’s fixture. Alongside him will be B team coach Brian Gilmour, goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo, and head of performance Rhys Owen. While Kevin Muscat has emerged as the frontrunner to become the permanent manager, the Shanghai Port boss is likely to remain in China until their league season concludes in late November. Rangers are currently exploring options for an interim appointment.
On the injury front, the Gers have concerns over right-back Dujon Sterling, who has been struggling with an Achilles tendon problem and is not expected to return until early January 2026. Winger Rabbi Matondo is also a doubt for the clash. Smith is expected to make changes to the lineup that disappointed against Falkirk, with Mohamed Diomande potentially replacing Joe Rothwell in midfield and Jayden Meghoma coming in at left-back to allow Derek Cornelius to move into central defence.
Striker Bojan Miovski, who joined Rangers from Girona in August for up to £4.2 million, will be hoping to add to his solitary league goal so far this season. The 26-year-old North Macedonian scored 44 goals during his time at Aberdeen before his move to Spain, and Rangers will be counting on him to rediscover that prolific form.
Dundee United Team News
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin can reflect on a positive start to the season, with his side sitting fourth in the table after seven matches. The Irishman recently signed a new 12-month rolling contract in September 2025, rewarding him for guiding the Tangerines to the Championship title and securing European football through a fourth-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.
However, Goodwin will be without several key players for the trip to Ibrox. Captain Ross Graham remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until early November. The defender has been a huge miss for United, with Goodwin confirming he is hopeful Graham will resume training by the end of October.
Forward Max Watters, who scored three goals in United’s European campaign, is doubtful with a hamstring problem, while Owen Stirton is struggling with an ankle injury and Isaac Pappoe has a knee issue. All three are targeting returns in late October but are unlikely to feature against Rangers.
Despite these absences, United have plenty of attacking talent available. Australian striker Zac Sapsford has been in excellent form with four goals across all competitions this season, including two in the league. The 23-year-old joined from Western Sydney Wanderers in the summer and has quickly adapted to Scottish football. Attacking midfielder Ivan Dolček has been United’s standout performer with five league goals, making him the Tangerines’ top scorer. Swedish forward Nikolaj Möller will also be pushing for a starting berth after featuring regularly from the bench.
Form
Rangers
The Light Blues have endured their worst start to a league season in modern history, winning just one of their opening seven Scottish Premiership matches. That solitary victory came away at Livingston on September 28. However, Rangers have drawn five games, including frustrating draws against Celtic, Dundee, and Falkirk.
Russell Martin’s possession-based philosophy failed to translate into results, with Rangers creating numerous chances but lacking the clinical edge required. The Gers sit eighth in the table with just eight points, already 11 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and nine adrift of second-placed Celtic. Their European campaign has been equally disappointing, with defeats to Racing Genk and SK Sturm Graz leaving them with little hope of progression in the Europa League.
Dundee United
Jim Goodwin’s side have shown greater consistency, collecting nine points from their opening seven fixtures. United opened the season with a 2-2 draw at newly-promoted Falkirk before suffering a 3-2 home defeat to Hearts. However, they bounced back impressively with a 2-0 victory in the Dundee derby at the end of August.
A thrilling 3-3 draw away at Hibernian was followed by an impressive 2-0 home win against Aberdeen in September. However, United’s momentum was halted by a 2-0 home loss to Kilmarnock, before they salvaged a 1-1 draw with Livingston in their most recent outing, Keresztes cancelling out Scott Pittman’s opener.
The Tangerines have been particularly strong away from home this season, remaining unbeaten in their three road trips with one win and two draws. This resilience on their travels will give Goodwin confidence ahead of the daunting visit to Ibrox.
Predicted Lineups
Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Diomande, Barron; Moore, Raskin, Gassama; Miovski
Dundee United: Kucherenko; Iovu, Esselink, Keresztes; Stephenson, Sevelj, Camara, Ferry; Dolcek, Moller, Sapsford
How to Watch Rangers vs Dundee United?
The fixture will not be broadcast live to a UK audience.
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