Kilmarnock come into this game in 6th place and look to gain some ground on the teams above them in the table. Their last fixture brought a 1-0 loss to Hibernian in a game where they dominated possession.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side are on brilliant form this season. From 12 games they have picked up 32 points and sit top of the table. Last time out in the league they played Livingston and earned a top 2-0 win. Rangers have the chance to increase the gap at the top of the table to 9 points with a win.
Starting Lineups
Kilmarnock: Rodgers, Millen, Broadfoot, Findlay, Waters, Power, Dicker, Tshibola, Burke, Kabamba, McKenzie
Subs: McGowan, Haunstrup, Brophy, Kiltie, Whitehall, Ibsen Rossi, Doyle, Pinnock, Mulumbu
Rangers: McGregor, Barisic, Helander, Goldson, Tavernier, Aribo, Jack, Arfield, Kent, Morelos, Itten
Subs: Bassey, Hagi, Defoe, Davis, Kamara, Barker, Roofe, Balogun, McLaughlin
FULL TIME! Kilmarnock 0-1 Rangers – A tough ask for Rangers by the end but overall a dominating performance which puts them 9 points clear at the top. James Tavernier’s penalty the only difference maker in the end. Kilmarnock remain 6th in the league and will be disappointed to not get the equaliser after picking up the pace late on.
90+3 A chance for Rangers. Ryan Jack’s shot saved. The game looking as if it will end 1-0, to Rangers.
90+2 Rangers playing for the 1-0 win here. They hold it in the corner to make sure the result gets over the line
90+1 Kent runs at goal after intercepting the ball. He finds Itten who hits it with the outside of his foot. It goes wide
90″ Yellow Card for Alan Power who will miss the next game against Ross County following the international break next week
89″ Well positioned free kick for Kilmarnock again. McKenzie puts the ball in terrifically but McGregor punches it away.
Embed from Getty Images86″ Alfredo Morelos comes off for Leon Balogun. A defender replacing an attacker. The change will shore up the defence for Rangers as they try to hold this lead.
85″ Kilmarnock turning up the pressure now and creating a lot more chances. The best of which comes as the ball is crossed in towards Brophy who had a go. Well saved by McGregor.
84″ The freekick goes through the wall. It was certainly well struck by Brophy but Allan McGregor gets down well to save it.
82″ Kilmarnock win a freekick in a dangerous position. It came as, Dicker’s pass finds McKenzie who turns and goes down. Davis sees yellow for the foul.
79″ Chance for Rangers. Some slick passing to build up the move. Tavernier finds Arfield who gives the ball to Itten first time. His driving pass, into the box, finds Morelos who puts it wide.
69″ Connor Goldson receives a yellow card
69″ Rangers get the ball forward yet again. Davis’ ball in was outstanding finding Itten who has a go from close range. Fantastic save from Rodgers denies Rangers the second
Embed from Getty Images65″ Substitution for Rangers. Joe Aribo comes off after a very decent performance. Steven Davis the man replacing him
60″ Coming into the hour mark Kilmarnock playing a lot better but still not able to create many chances. They are causing Rangers trouble though. This last 30 mins may be tough for Rangers.
58″ Tavernier’s ball out is nodded on by Morelos. Itten holds the ball up well and sprays it into the box for Morelos again. He doesn’t get much on it, however, and it is saved.
56″ Big chance for Rangers to double their lead yet again. Lovely passing gets them up the field and it ends up at the feet of Ryan Kent who gets his shot away. No trouble for Rodgers.
51″ Good play from Kilmarnock. Alan Power with the chance but his volley is easily caught by McGregor.
Embed from Getty Images47″ Good break from Rangers. The ball comes in to Arfield who lays it off for Morelos. His chance is blocked and they win yet another corner
Second Half Kicks Off
The whistle goes for half time and this game has been all Rangers. Chance after chance for the league leaders. Steven Gerrard will probably be frustrated that his side haven’t scored more. Alex Dyer and Kilmarnock need to try and find some motivation after being incredibly quiet throughout the half. James Tavernier’s 10th goal of the season the only difference maker as it stands.
HALF TIME – Kilmarnock 0-1 Rangers
44″ Chris Burke has a go from the freekick with power. Fairly simple save for Allan McGregor. Really sums up the half for Kilmarnock, who haven’t created much
43″ Yellow card after a poor challenge from Borna Barisic. His late challenge gets Kilmarnock a free kick in a decent position
41″ First yellow card of the game goes to Tshibola after a poor foul on Ryan Jack.
38″ Brilliant ball chested down by Ryan Kent who left it for Joe Aribo. His strike is powerful and well saved by Rodgers
33″ Rangers corner comes in brilliantly from Tavernier. Just over the head of Connor Goldson.
26″ Big chance for Rangers again. Arfield’s pass out wide to Barisic is outstanding. They play it in and Aribo’s ball across goal looking for Itten goes wide
24″ Rangers continue the pressure creating plenty of chances. 8 chances created to Kilmarnock’s none so far.
21″ Scott Arfield wins the ball. He has a go as the Kilmarnock defence stands off. However, the shot goes high and wide.
18″ GOAL! Kilmarnock 0-1 Rangers. James Tavernier steps up to the penalty spot and smashes it into the back of the net. Wonderful penalty giving Rodgers no chance as it goes into the side netting. Tavernier takes his tally for the season to 10, 6 of which are from the penalty spot.
17″ PENALTY! The ball comes in from Borna Barisic on the freekick. Conor Goldson gets his head to it and it strikes Millen’s hand. An Easy decision for the referee.
16″ Kilmarnock win a freekick in another decent position. The ball comes in low but the flag goes up for offside.
15″ Kilmarnock having a frustrating first 15 minutes not creating any chances or even getting the ball in the Rangers half. Rangers certainly dominating as expected
12″ Good effort for Rangers and probably the best chance of the game so far. Tavernier’s cross came in and it was cleared only as far as Joe Aribo. He took a touch and fired the ball just over the bar.
Embed from Getty Images11″ The ball continuing to go out wide to Barisic who tests Kilmarnock with his crosses. So far not come to anything but definetly causing trouble.
8″ Alfredo Morelos has gone down. There was no contact on him during the move. This could be a concern for Rangers with Morelos being a key player in the side.
5″ Itten wins the ball for Rangers right up the pitch. His ball finds Kent who’s shot is block. Rangers testing Kilmarnock early on
1″ Kilmarnock win an early free kick in a good crossing position. It comes to nothing however
Kick Off!
