Preview- Livingston (h)

Last updated : 29 March 2006 By Firparkcorner

With only seven games left our guests are marooned at the bottom of the table, nine points adrift. Livingston have won only twice this season – out of 31 games! – so anything less than three points here is a disaster.

Anything less than a win will also kill off the slim chance we have of finishing in the top half of the table. We will need some sort of positive result at Ibrox to do so but before we contemplate that miracle it is important we focus fully on John Robertson's side.

In the earlier matches between the sides we triumphed by 1-0 and 2-1 but neither performance was entirely convincing. We have pretty much our full squad to choose from now with even Scott Leitch coming back into contention. However it is unlikely that Terry will change much from the tried and tested lads who have performed for most of the season. It is surely certain though that we will revert back to a 4-4-2 with another striker – Hamilton, presumably – joining Scott McDonald in the attack.


The two other potential changes to be made must be in goal and in midfield. Colin Meldrum, depending on how you view things, has been okay in deputising but with a fully fit Graeme Smith knocking on the door it would seem a foolhardy decision to keep him out. Kevin McBride's place must also be under serious threat after ineffectual showings in recent weeks. Given the ‘must win' nature of this game, it could even be possible that he is sacrificed to make way for yet another attacker as we search for the vital goals needed to keep the Rangers game competitive. A draw between Inverness and Aberdeen would definitely help us although the really catastrophic outcome would be a home victory.

Livingston are possibly only three games away from demotion and we will surely help add another nail to their coffin. It might not be spectacular but we should be comfortable enough with a 3-1 win.


Report v Livi October 2005

Report v Livi December 2005