Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Scottish Premiership match.
Rangers
With the way Rangers are starting this season, any hopes of winning the championship seem like a distant dream. They've had a dismal run in the Champions League, getting knocked out in the qualifiers by Dynamo Kyiv, and they are struggling in the domestic league. Hearts deserved to win more than the goalless draw they got in the first round. Furthermore, there was a controversial penalty decision that did not go in favour of the 55-time Scottish champions. They also had a hard-fought 2:1 victory over Motherwell, squandering chances and even scoring an own goal. Rangers managed to break down St. Johnstone in the League Cup only in the second half, scoring the second goal in injury time (2:0).
Ross County
Ross County also knows how to squander excellent opportunities, such as a penalty against Dundee United, which itself was controversial. However, they redeemed themselves in the 95th minute, leaving the newcomers without a win: 1:1 with 2.23 xG and 21 shots (five on target). Ross County failed to score against Motherwell in the Premiership and Spartans in the League Cup. These opponents are well-matched.
Rangers - Ross County Prediction
Given how poorly the team capitalises on their advantages, we don't think we will witness a rout of last season's underdogs. In April this year, Ross County beat Rangers (3:2). Clearly, that was the last 33rd round before the split, 28 shots from Rangers weren’t enough to secure a win. Rangers haven't achieved a convincing victory over Ross County in their last five head-to-head encounters, so we believe they won't win this time either. If they do manage a victory, it will be by no more than two goals.
