The Rugby Park will host Kilmarnock vs Rangers on Saturday, as both teams clash in the first round of the Scottish Premiership. Can the hosts kick off their new campaign with a win, or will it be business as usual for Rangers?
Saturday tea-time sees new look Rangers take on new look Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Del-Ball vs Beale-Ball.
Two contrasting styles, one magnificent beard.
Who comes out on top?
Find out. SKY 17:00 (17:15 KO)
— Pie & Bovril 🏴 (@pieandbov) August 4, 2023
Kilmarnock vs Rangers probable lineups
Kilmarnock
Goalkeeper: Will Dennis.
Defenders: Robbie Deas, Stuart Findlay, Lewis Mayo.
Midfielders: Matthew Kennedy, Marley Watkins, Bradley Lyons, Kyle Magennis, Danny Armstrong.
Strikers: Innes Cameron, Fraser Murray.
Rangers
Goalkeeper: Robby McCrorie.
Defenders: Ridvan Yilmaz, Johnly Yfeko, Leon Balogun, James Tavernier.
Midfielders: Todd Cantwell, John Lundstram, Nicolas Raskin.
Strikers: Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima.
Kilmarnock vs Rangers confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Kilmarnock vs Rangers predictions
Prediction 1: Rangers to win
It's safe to say that Kilmarnock don't particularly look forward to meeting Rangers on the field. Killie have struggled against today's opponents in recent years, losing all of their last six meetings with the Gers; they managed just two wins in the last 13 encounters between these teams. Although we have no doubt that the hosts will do everything they can to win this match, Rangers should prove to be too much for them to handle.
Prediction 2: Both teams to score
It's fair to point out that Rangers have scored and conceded goals regularly; and as a result, their matches usually feature goals at both ends. In fact, both teams were on the scoresheet in six of The Gers' last seven matches. Likewise, both teams found the net in four of Rangers' last five trips to the Rugby Park; and for this reason, we should expect both teams to be amongst the goals.
Prediction 3: At least three goals
Rangers scored just over two goals per game in their last eight matches, and all of those games went above the 2.5 goal mark. This was the case with three of Kilmarnock's last four matches too. Furthermore, at least three goals were scored four of the last five times these teams met at this stadium. On that note, this will likely be a high-scoring affair.
Super Eagles players to watch in Kilmarnock vs Rangers fixture
Cyriel Dessers – Rangers
Cyriel Dessers has represented the Super Eagles on four occasions, scoring one goal. The 28 year old joined Rangers from Cremonese last month; he participated in three pre-season friendlies for the club.
Nnamdi Ofoborh – Rangers
Another player worth keeping an eye out for is Nnamdi Ofoborh. The midfielder has been a part of Rangers' squad since he joined on a free transfer more than two years ago. However, Ofoborh has been sidelined for the past two years due to a heart issue, and is yet to play for the Gers. Although the 23 year old has never represented the Super Eagles, he played three matches for the U-20s, scoring two goals.
Leon Balogun – Rangers
A player Nigerians have come to love over the years, Leon Balogun has earned 46 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring one goal. The former Wigan and Brighton defender rejoined the club this summer, after spending a year at Queens Park Rangers. Balogun has played a total of 40 matches for the Glasgow-based side.
Where to watch vs live in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana
Fans in these countries can catch all the action live on Supersport.
This article was most recently revised and updated 11 months ago
