Rangers Aim for Victory Against Ross County Amidst Storm Darragh and Crucial Week Ahead

Rangers travel to Ross County this weekend, aiming to close the gap on both Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings. Heading into the game, the Gers sit third in the table, with plenty of work to do if they are to fight their way back into the title race. A 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox last month left Rangers 11 points behind league leaders Celtic, leading to calls for manager Philippe Clement to be sacked. Since that draw, however, Rangers have responded with three consecutive wins, easing doubts surrounding Clement's future.

Rangers' Recent Resurgence

A 4-1 win away to Nice in the Europa League was followed by two league victories, the most recent a 6-0 triumph over Kilmarnock. This impressive run of form has injected renewed confidence into the team and a crucial week lies ahead for Rangers; first, a Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by the Scottish League Cup final against arch-rivals Celtic.

The Importance of the Ross County Match

Despite the looming challenges, Clement emphasized the significance of the Ross County game. He stated that players who don't want to play against teams like Ross County "will never enter this building." After dropping 11 points on the road this season, Clement knows his side cannot afford complacency.

Ross County's Home Advantage

Meanwhile, Ross County will be hoping to bounce back after a 5-0 defeat to Celtic. While their chances of winning at Celtic Park were slim, the manner of the defeat was undoubtedly frustrating for manager Don Cowie. The damage was done in the first half, with five goals effectively ending the match. County's poor away form, with zero wins on the road this season, highlights the importance of this home fixture. They have secured 12 of their 15 points at the Global Energy Stadium. They haven't lost at home in the league since early October, with victories over Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

Past Encounters and Key Players

County can also draw confidence from their 3-2 victory over Rangers last season, their first-ever win against the Gers. However, Rangers exacted revenge earlier this season with a 6-0 win at Ibrox. Team news reveals that Ross County will be without Will Nightingale due to a knee injury, but Max Sheaf may return. George Harmon's return from injury is a boost. For Rangers, Neraysho Kasanwirjo could miss the rest of the season, while Dujon Sterling and Ridvan Yilmaz are short of fitness. However, Oscar Cortes and Tom Lawrence are close to returning, and Rabbi Matondo is back in training.

Weather Conditions and Game Day Predictions

Storm Darragh is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, impacting public transport. However, the match in Dingwall is expected to proceed as planned, unaffected by the severe weather warnings issued elsewhere in Scotland. Despite the speculation surrounding Clement's future, Rangers have built momentum ahead of a crucial week. Although their away form is less than ideal, they face a team with only three wins this season, so a Rangers victory is anticipated.

The Manager's Perspective

Philippe Clement expects his players to treat Ross County with the same importance as Celtic and Tottenham. He stressed that all games are significant for achieving goals. He highlighted the need for a winning mentality, not just in games but also in training. He insists it's always about the next game – and this is a major one against Ross County.

A Pivotal Week for Rangers

After travelling to Dingwall, Rangers host Spurs in Europe before taking on Celtic in the League Cup final. This trio of fixtures will shape Rangers' season. Clement's side are looking to build on their recent winning streak and maintain their momentum. They'll aim to overcome their struggles away from home against a County side with just three league wins this season. Ultimately, the match against Ross County is viewed by Clement as a crucial step towards their ambitious goals.

The Road to Glory: A Look Ahead

Rangers have shown signs of resurgence, and their recent string of victories, culminating in the 6-0 win over Kilmarnock, indicates a return to form. The upcoming matches, though, will truly test their mettle, revealing whether this resurgence is a genuine shift or simply a fleeting moment of brilliance. The coming days will show whether Rangers can build on their recent success and finally claim a place among Scotland’s footballing elite.