As Rangers fans, we all know the sting of last season’s unexpected defeat to Ross County. That painful memory still lingers, and it’s one that manager Philippe Clement hasn’t forgotten either. Today’s 3pm kickoff at Hampden could offer the perfect opportunity for redemption and a much-needed boost ahead of next weekend’s Old Firm derby. But as much as we’re eager for a victory, this isn’t a match where we can afford to be complacent.
Clement’s Quest for Revenge and Redemption
Clement admitted this week the memories of the last Ross County match are still painful. And who can blame him? That defeat in Dingwall last season was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone associated with the club. It left us needing a win at Celtic Park to keep our title hopes alive, a win that unfortunately never came.
I still have pain in my stomach if I think about our game last season against Ross County
Rangers Manager, Philippe Clement during the pre-match press conference
This time around, Clement is determined to turn the tide and create a happier memory. He’s had the rare luxury of a full week of training with the squad, something that has allowed him to work on key areas and integrate players returning from injury. It’s clear that Clement is not just looking to win today—he’s looking to lay down a marker for the challenges ahead.
Should be a Comfortable Win, But No Room for Complacency
There’s no denying that Rangers should have enough in the tank to take care of business against Ross County. However, underestimating the Staggies would be a grave mistake. Clement himself acknowledged that Ross County will do everything in their power to disrupt our game, and it’s vital that the team stays focused from the first whistle to the last.
Tactical Tweaks: Time to Rest Tavernier?
One of the key talking points heading into today’s match is whether Captain James Tavernier should be rested. Tav has looked off the pace since the start of the season, and with the massive Old Firm clash looming, this could be the perfect time to let Dujon Sterling step into his preferred right-back position. Sterling has been solid when called upon, and with Clement dismissing rumours of a serious wrist injury, he looks ready to go.
A New Look on the Left: Jefte to the Wing?
On the left side of the pitch, we’d love to see a tactical shift with Robbie Fraser coming in at left-back and Jefte pushing up to the left-wing position. Jefte has been one of the standout performers further up the pitch, and this change could provide the attacking threat we need to break down a stubborn Ross County defence.
The Number 10 Dilemma
We’ve been advocating for Mohamed Diomande to get a shot in the number 10 role, and while he did get the nod during the St Johnstone game, the impact wasn’t quite what we had hoped for. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Clement move Diomande back into central midfield alongside Connor Barron, a partnership that has worked well in previous games. This would allow Tom Lawrence to return to the number 10 role, lets hope if given the chance he will shine.
Cerny to Start, McCausland to Impact
Vaclav Cerny has earned the right to start on the right wing, but let’s not forget about Ross McCausland. McCausland made a significant impact off the bench in the last match, and it would be great to see him get some minutes today. His energy and directness could be exactly what we need in the latter stages of the game.
Danilo Needs More Minutes
Up front, Danilo should get the nod to start again. He’s shown good movement and runs in St Johnstone match, but he needs more game time to really find his rhythm. Let’s give him the first half to make his mark, and then bring on Dessers around the 60-minute mark if needed. This approach keeps both strikers sharp and ready for the challenges ahead.
Our Predicted Lineup
Taking all this into consideration, here’s our predicted starting XI for Rangers v Ross County:
GK: Jack Butland
RB: Dujon Sterling
CB: John Souttar
CB: Leon Balogun
LB: Robbie Fraser
CM: Mohamed Diomande
CM: Connor Barron
AM: Tom Lawrence
RW: Vaclav Cerny
LW: Jefte
FW: Danilo
This lineup has the balance and quality to secure a vital win today, but it also leaves room for tactical flexibility as the game progresses.
Final Thoughts
Today’s game isn’t just about three points—it’s about setting the tone for what’s to come. A convincing win will not only erase the painful memories of last season but also build momentum heading into the Old Firm derby. As Rangers fans, we’ll be cheering the team on with full voice, hoping that by the end of the 90 minutes, we’ll be celebrating a victory that’s been a long time coming. Let’s get the job done, lads!