Scottish Premiership remains as exciting as ever with another huge week of fixtures in store, as teams get ready for a bumper weekend. Dundee United, flying high in the league despite a difficult historical record at Ibrox, would provide a stern test on the road. At the other end, Hibernian will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing last-minute end to their unbeaten start, while St Mirren hope to continue their impressive home record against Aberdeen.
For Dundee United, it’s a considerable challenge with their historical record against Rangers. They have secured only one victory in their last 21 away league games at Ibrox, a statistic that highlights the difficulty of this encounter. John McGlynn, right, has his team undefeated in away games this season. This provides them with a spark of optimism as they conduct the interminable battle for a good result.
In their last meeting with Rangers, Dundee United stole a 1-1 draw — Russell Martin’s last match in charge of the team. The visitors were able to pillage just a single road victory on the year. This draw speaks to their continued need for defensive fortitude to gain points against better sides. As they travel to Ibrox, it would be no surprise if they were to outlast their early-season resistance.
With a remarkable season under their belt, Livingston has established themselves as a regional power this year. They’ve gotten more goals in their games than any team in the league! With 24 goals scored in their games so far, they are playing aggressive attacking football. Defensively, though, they have been just as bad, having conceded 14 goals. This back-and-forth interplay of high-octane offense and shaky defense creates a fascinating juxtaposition in their upcoming matches.
Hibernian’s plight is much more serious as they look to get themselves back on track. The unexpected turnaround – The David Gray era began as a hopeful one. They were dealt a body blow that consigned them to their first defeat of their unbeaten Premiership run. A win over St Mirren this weekend would see them leap off the foot of the table, at least temporarily. This potential win would deliver a big blow of momentum and confidence.
Despite recent struggles on their travels, the Buddies have shown themselves to be tough to beat on home turf, going eight matches without defeat at Paisley. Hibs’ task is made even more difficult by their opponent’s formidable home record. They haven’t won a league match since or beyond their emphatic debut on opening weekend. Owner Stephen Robinson is hoping to see a resurgence from his team. Robertson’s men endured a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock just before the international break.
At the same time, Aberdeen host St Mirren in a fixture that’s tipped the Buddies’ way down the years. The Dons have collected only three points from their last six league encounters with St Mirren, which underscores the challenge ahead for manager Derek McInnes as he returns to Rugby Park for the first time since taking over at Hearts.
Brendan Rodgers will lead Celtic into their next fixture with hopes of maintaining pressure on Hearts at the top of the table. Especially a Hoops side that is preparing to welcome D.C. United to town reinvigorated by the recent international break. This is their opportunity to solidify their status with the top of the league.
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