Rangers vs St. Johnstone Betting Tips 24/10

Rangers seek defensive reset against St. Johnstone at Ibrox

Rangers return to Ibrox Stadium this Saturday with a clear mandate to tighten their backline following a frustrating draw last time out. The match, kicking off at 16:00 CET on 24 October 2026, presents an opportunity for the hosts to regain momentum in the Premiership after a defensive lapse cost them points in their most recent outing against Dundee FC.

A response required at Ibrox

Manager Derek McInnes made his frustrations clear following the 2-2 draw with Dundee FC, describing the late defensive error as feeling like a "balloon popping." With a full week of preparation behind them and no midweek European distractions, the squad is expected to focus heavily on restoring the defensive solidity that saw them keep clean sheets in six of their last 10 matches. McInnes has explicitly challenged his side to find a balance where they do not need to score three goals simply to secure a victory.

Tactical challenges against a low block

St. Johnstone are expected to arrive at Ibrox with a disciplined, defensive approach, likely packing numbers behind the ball to frustrate the hosts. To counter this, Rangers are expected to deploy a setup featuring a focal striker supported by a playmaker in the number 10 role, designed to probe for gaps in a deep-lying defensive structure. Finding the right rhythm in the final third will be essential for the home side to break down a resilient opposition.

The form of the frontmen

Both sides head into this encounter relying on key individuals who have hit a rich vein of scoring form. Rangers’ Ryan Don Naderi has been clinical, netting five goals in his last seven appearances, providing a vital outlet in the absence of Lawrence Shankland. Meanwhile, St. Johnstone will look to Josh Fowler, who has been equally prolific with six goals in his last nine outings, to provide a threat on the counter-attack.

Expected lineups and team news

For the hosts, the expected XI features Ivor Pandur in goal, with a defensive line of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya, and James Penrice. The midfield is expected to comprise Nicolas Raskin, Daniel Neil, and Min-Su Kim, supporting a forward trio of Badredine Bouanani, Djeidi Gassama, and Naderi. St. Johnstone are expected to start with Toby Steward in goal, protected by a back four of Liam Smith, Daniel Finlayson, Cheick Diabate, and Enes Alic, with a midfield quartet of Reece McAlear, Jason Holt, Samuel Stanton, and Joel Cotterill feeding forwards Taylor Steven and Fowler. Notably, Rangers remain without the injured Lawrence Shankland, while St. Johnstone must navigate this fixture without the injured Zach Mitchell.

Historical context and momentum

Recent history heavily favours the hosts, with Rangers recording a string of clean-sheet victories against St. Johnstone in previous Premiership and League Cup meetings. While the visitors arrive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Aberdeen on 11 October 2026 under their belts, they face a significant test against a Rangers side determined to make amends for their recent league result.