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Queen of the South
Scottish Championship
Apr 9, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Rangers logo

3-0

Lyle (33'), Wallace (46' og.), Reilly (69')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Queen of the South vs. Rangers

Sports Mole looks ahead to Rangers' trip to Queen of the South in the Scottish Championship.

Rangers can boost their hopes of a second-place finish in the Scottish Championship on Thursday night when they make the trip to Queen of the South.

Stuart McCall's side have won their last two games in the league, while a third consecutive victory could see them pull further clear of third-placed Hibernian as the playoffs approach.



Queen of the South

Queens welcome Rangers to Palmerston Park looking to maintain their push for the playoffs.

James Fowler's men have won three of their last five games in the league, keeping them in touch with the top four.

Their most recent victory came on Saturday when they did the Gers a huge favour by earning a 1-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road thanks to Mark Durnan's second-half strike.

With daylight between themselves and sixth-placed Raith Rovers, the hosts look to be the only realistic challengers to playoff hopefuls Rangers, Hibs and Falkirk.

Queens will be looking to Derek Lyle and Gavin Reilly to continue their impressive campaign in front of goal, with the pair netting 24 times between them so far this season.

Recent form: DWWLLW



Rangers

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall on the touch line during the Scottish Premiership League match between Hibernian and Motherwell at Easter Road on August 04, 2013© Getty Images

Rangers head to Dumfries in impressive form, winning their last three matches in a row in the league.

The Glasgow giants have been rejuvenated under new manager Stuart McCall, who has lost none of his six games in charge so far.

McCall's tenure at Ibrox Stadium started with three draws, but the team has since given themselves a great chance of securing that all-important second spot in the table.

Their last victory saw them overcome runaway champions Hearts 2-1 at home, leading their manager to claim that he was given "goosebumps" by the team's performance.

Rangers boast the third best defence in the second tier, while their attack ranks as the second best thanks to 57 goals in 30 matches. Their top scorers are Nicky Law and Nicky Clark with seven goals apiece.

Recent form: DDDWWW



Team News

Rangers forward Kenny Miller slots the ball past Hibs goalkeeper Mark Oxley for the second goal during the Scottish Championship match between Hibernian and Rangers at Easter Road on March 22, 2015© Getty Images

Rangers are facing something of an injury crisis ahead of the game, with Sebastien Faure, Richard Foster, Stevie Smith, Remie Streete, Kevin Mbabu, Jon Daly and Tom Walsh all sidelined.

Meanwhile, Lee McCulloch will miss the game through suspension following his red card against Hearts.

Queens have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game, and their manager could be tempted to field the same XI that defeated Hibs.

Queen of the South possible starting lineup:
Clark; Dowie, Durnan, Higgins, Holt; Carmichael, McShane, McKenna, Paton; Lyle, Reilly

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Bell; McGregor, Hutton, Zaliukas, Wallace; Shiels, Law, Murdoch, Vuckic; Miller, Clark



Head To Head

There has been little to separate the teams this season. Rangers earned a 4-2 win at Ibrox at the start of the campaign, but Queens gained some revenge by winning 2-0 at Palmerston Park. They then played out a 1-1 draw in Glasgow last month in what was Kenny McDowall's last game in charge of the Gers.

Rangers have the superior record when it comes to overall meetings with Queens, winning 34 times compared to just five victories for their opponents.

Rangers have also enjoyed plenty of goals against Queens, with an average of 2.98 per game. Meanwhile, the home side manages just 0.98 per game.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Queen of the South 0-2 Rangers

Despite Queen of the South trying to break into the top four, Rangers should prove too good for them on Thursday. Stuart McCall has given the visitors a boost since his arrival at the club last month, and they will be expected to leave Palmerston Park with the three points.



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Haris Vuckic of Rangers in action during the William Hill Scottish Cup Fifth Round match between Rangers and Raith Rovers on February 8, 2015
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