The St. Johnstone vs Rangers encounter is one of the most intriguing fixtures in the Scottish Premiership. While Rangers FC, one of Scotland’s biggest and most successful clubs, often finds themselves as favorites in their league matchups, St. Johnstone FC, a smaller but competitive club, frequently proves to be a formidable opponent. This rivalry, though not as historic as some of Scotland’s more iconic derbies, offers plenty of excitement due to the contrasting styles of play, the resilience of St. Johnstone, and the ambitious nature of Rangers.
We’ll examine the St. Johnstone vs Rangers match in detail in this post. covering everything from historical encounters and tactical insights to player performances and what fans have been curious about. Whether you’re a lifelong Rangers supporter hoping to see your team maintain dominance, or a St. Johnstone fan eager to see a shock result, this detailed overview will give you all the information you need about this thrilling match.
Historical Context: The Rivalry between St. Johnstone and Rangers
St. Johnstone and Rangers have faced each other numerous times in the Scottish Premiership, with their matchups often providing drama, controversy, and memorable moments. Rangers, traditionally one of the powerhouses in Scottish football, have enjoyed success both domestically and internationally, while St. Johnstone, although not on the same scale, has shown themselves to be a club capable of creating upsets, especially when facing the bigger teams.
Rangers, having won 55 Scottish league titles, dominate the domestic scene in terms of silverware, but St. Johnstone has carved out their own niche in Scottish football, achieving notable successes in cup competitions. St. Johnstone’s recent accomplishments include winning the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in 2014 and 2021, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level in Scottish football.
Historically, Rangers have been the dominant force in the fixture, winning the majority of their encounters against St. Johnstone. However, St. Johnstone has proven to be a resilient side, particularly when they meet the Glasgow giants at home, making the McDiarmid Park stadium a tricky venue for Rangers in recent seasons.
Recent Encounters: St. Johnstone’s Resilience vs Rangers’ Dominance
In recent seasons, Rangers have maintained a dominant record against St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. However, St. Johnstone has occasionally managed to secure surprising results, often through disciplined defensive performances and clinical counter-attacks.
In the 2023-2024 season, Rangers defeated St. Johnstone with a 2-0 victory at Ibrox Stadium, but their meetings at McDiarmid Park have been much closer. St. Johnstone have managed to secure a few draws and close defeats at home, making this fixture one of great anticipation.
Key statistics from recent matches include:
Rangers’ Recent Wins: Rangers have dominated the fixture with several wins by multiple-goal margins, showing their attacking prowess and depth of squad.
St. Johnstone’s Home Advantage: At McDiarmid Park, St. Johnstone has managed to frustrate Rangers on occasion, holding them to a draw or keeping the scoreline tight.
Current Form: Analyzing St. Johnstone’s Performance in 2024
St. Johnstone’s 2024 form has been a mixture of resilience and challenges, as they strive to remain competitive in the Scottish Premiership. The club, managed by Callum Davidson, has a reputation for a well-organized defense and a tactical approach that focuses on counter-attacking football. While they may not always dominate possession or produce free-flowing attacking football, they remain dangerous in their own right.
Key players for St. Johnstone this season include Chris Kane, who provides a physical presence in attack, and Xander Clark, the experienced goalkeeper who has kept the team in games with crucial saves. The team often relies on a solid defensive structure, with James Brown and Jason Kerr forming a reliable defensive pairing.
Key Stats for St. Johnstone (2024)
Goals Scored: St. Johnstone’s goal tally has been modest, averaging around 1 goal per game. Their approach often focuses on being solid at the back and scoring from set pieces or counter-attacks.
Goals Conceded: St. Johnstone’s defense has been relatively solid, conceding just over 1 goal per game. Their defensive record is often a key factor in keeping games close.
Possession: The club typically enjoys 45-50% possession in matches, with a more reactive approach compared to possession-heavy sides like Rangers.
Shots: St. Johnstone averages about 10-12 shots per game, a testament to their efficient attacking play.
Current Form: Analyzing Rangers’ Performance in 2024
Rangers, under the guidance of Michael Beale, have been in excellent form in the Scottish Premiership. With a squad boasting quality players such as Alfredo Morelos, James Tavernier, and Ryan Kent, Rangers’ attacking play remains a force to be reckoned with. Beale’s Rangers focus on high-pressing football and controlling possession, and they’ve been effective in breaking down teams both at home and on the road.
Rangers’ offensive strength lies in the creative contributions of players like Tom Lawrence and Malik Tillman, who are capable of dictating the tempo and providing key assists. In defense, Connor Goldson and Ben Davies have formed a solid partnership at the back, while Allan McGregor continues to perform at an elite level between the posts.
Key Stats for Rangers (2024)
Goals Scored: Rangers have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the Premiership, averaging around 2.5 goals per game. Their attacking strength is bolstered by their high possession and quick transitions.
Goals Conceded: Rangers’ defense has been strong, conceding less than 1 goal per game. Their backline, led by Connor Goldson and Ben Davies, is solid, though they occasionally face challenges against resilient teams like St. Johnstone.
Possession: Rangers dominate possession in most of their matches, often exceeding 60% of the ball.
Shots: Rangers average over 15 shots per game, with a high shooting accuracy, often resulting in multiple goals per match.
Key Player Matchups: St. Johnstone vs Rangers
When St. Johnstone takes on Rangers, certain player matchups will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Here are some of the most exciting individual duels:
Chris Kane vs Connor Goldson
Chris Kane, St. Johnstone’s main forward, is known for his aerial ability and physical style of play. He will face Connor Goldson, Rangers’ towering center-back who is a key leader in defense. Kane’s ability to challenge Goldson in the air and his clinical finishing will be vital for St. Johnstone to make an impact. On the other hand, Goldson’s strength and composure in defense will be key to preventing Kane from having any significant impact on the game.
Ryan Kent vs James Brown
Ryan Kent, one of Rangers’ most creative players, will face James Brown of St. Johnstone, who is known for his tenacity and defensive capabilities. Kent’s ability to break down defenses with his dribbling skills and pace will be a major test for Brown, who will need to stay disciplined and track Kent’s runs down the wing.
Xander Clark vs Allan McGregor
Both goalkeepers are crucial to their respective teams’ success. Xander Clark, St. Johnstone’s reliable shot-stopper, will face Allan McGregor, one of Scotland’s best goalkeepers and a long-time Rangers stalwart. Clark’s ability to make crucial saves in tight matches will be key to St. Johnstone’s chances, while McGregor’s experience and shot-stopping prowess will be vital for Rangers as they aim to keep St. Johnstone at bay.
Tactical Approaches: How St. Johnstone and Rangers Play
St. Johnstone’s Tactical Setup: Under Callum Davidson, St. Johnstone typically sets up with a compact defense, using a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation. The team looks to absorb pressure and counter-attack quickly, using the pace of their wingers to exploit any spaces left by the opposition. St. Johnstone’s approach to the game often sees them conceding possession to their opponents while focusing on creating opportunities from set pieces, long balls, and quick transitions.
Rangers’ Tactical Setup: Rangers play a more possession-based style under Michael Beale, with a focus on high pressing and controlling the tempo of the game. They often set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with wide attackers creating space for central players like Malik Tillman and Tom Lawrence to penetrate the opposition’s defense. Rangers’ strength lies in their ability to dominate possession, stretch the opposition, and create chances through quick passing and individual brilliance.
FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between St. Johnstone and Rangers?
Historically, Rangers have dominated their encounters with St. Johnstone. In their past 46 meetings, Rangers have secured 33 victories, while St. Johnstone has won 5 times, with the remaining matches ending in draws.
How did the most recent match between St. Johnstone and Rangers conclude?
The latest encounter took place on October 6, 2024, at Ibrox Stadium, where Rangers emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over St. Johnstone.
What are the recent form trends for both teams?
As of December 2024, Rangers are in good form in the Scottish Premiership, having won 8 home games at Ibrox Stadium. In contrast, St. Johnstone have not secured a win in their last five Premiership matches and have won only two away games this season.
In Summary
The St. Johnstone vs Rangers fixture continues to provide football fans with exciting and unpredictable moments, and 2024 promises to be no different. While Rangers enter the match as the favorites due to their superior squad and recent form, St. Johnstone’s ability to raise their game against the bigger clubs ensures that this is a fixture that should not be underestimated. Whether it’s Rangers looking to extend their dominance or St. Johnstone fighting for a shock result, there’s always something at stake when these two teams face off.
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