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Scott Arfield’s late winner against Livingston on Wednesday ensured that Rangers’ sluggish start to 2022 did not become a disastrous one.
With just over 15 minutes left, the Scottish champions looked set to make it two draws out of two this year, which would allow Celtic to cut the gap at the top to just two points ahead of the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park on Wednesday.
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However, Arfield’s goal ensures that Rangers have some breathing room over their bitter rivals ahead of next week’s derby.
Rangers have enjoyed a seamless transition from Steven Gerrard to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, winning eight of their nine league games under the Dutchman, only dropping points in a recent 1-1 draw at Aberdeen and face a Ross County side here that has endured an inconsistent run in the league, picking up just seven points from their last six games.
Ross County v Rangers – Saturday, January 29: 12.30pm
Sky Sports Football
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Rangers to Win by Exactly Two Goals
Rangers have beaten County by two goals on the two occasions that the sides have met this season, while four of their nine league outings under Van Bronckhorst have ended in two-goal wins. They should have little trouble making it nine wins out of ten in the league in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Both Teams to Score
It borders on lunacy to tip Rangers to concede considering they have done so just twice in nine league games under their new manager, but it is equally difficult to back against Ross County finding the back of the net in their own backyard.
Malky Mackay’s side drew a blank against St. Johnstone in a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season but have scored in every league game at Victoria Park since, including two against Rangers in a 4-2 defeat in August.
In fact, both of their previous league outings against the Gers this season have ended in 4-2 defeats.
It wouldn’t be hugely surprising to see this clash end in a similar scoreline considering Ross County’s home record.
They boast the fourth-best home goalscoring record in Scotland, scoring an impressive 17 goals in 10 games, but they also boast the worst home defensive record, conceding a staggering 18 goals.
Rangers, meanwhile, boast the best away defensive record in the league but have conceded in two of their four away games under Van Bronckhorst, which offers Ross County a glimmer of hope.
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Joe Aribo to Score Anytime
With top scorer Alfredo Morelos away with Colombia on international duty, Joe Aribo’s return from the African Cup of Nations couldn’t have been more timely. He has been one of Rangers’ main goalscoring threats under Van Bronckhorst, scoring three goals in seven league appearances.
He has also scored in both outings against Ross County in the league this season and seems to have developed a knack for scoring against Mackay’s side.
He is Rangers’ joint-second top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership this season alongside Kemar Roofe, who is yet to start a league game under Van Bronckhorst.
Aribo, on the other hand, has started all but one league game under the Dutch manager when he has been available for selection. It is not unreasonable to think that he will go straight into the starting line-up on Saturday afternoon and can continue his impressive record against County.
Fashion Sakala to Score Anytime
Fashion Sakala has enjoyed a moderately successful maiden season at Ibrox since making the move from Oostende in the summer.
The Zambian international has scored five goals in 15 league appearances for the Scottish champions and is likely to feature even more between now and the end of the season following Ianis Hagi’s season-ending injury against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup.
Sakala managed to get himself on the scoresheet in that Scottish Cup tie in a timely return to goalscoring form.
Four of his five league goals have come away from Ibrox and he can help inspire Rangers to an important away win on Saturday afternoon.
Ross County v Rangers tips:
Rangers to Win by Exactly Two Goals
Both Teams to Score
Joe Aribo to Score Anytime
Fashion Sakala to Score Anytime
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