The Scottish Premiership is gearing up for another exciting season, and with it comes the highly anticipated clashes between St. Johnstone and Rangers. These two historic clubs boast passionate fan bases and a compelling head-to-head record, promising thrilling encounters on the pitch.
This article dives into everything you need to know about the upcoming St. Johnstone vs. Rangers fixtures, scheduled for October 5th, 2024, November 30th, 2024, and January 11th, 2025.
A Tale of Two Cities: A Look at the Clubs
St. Johnstone:
Hailing from Perth, Scotland, St. Johnstone is a well-established club with a rich history dating back to 1884. Nicknamed the “Saints,” they compete in the Scottish Premiership, the top tier of Scottish football. While not boasting the trophy cabinet of Rangers, St. Johnstone has secured some notable achievements, including winning the 2014 Scottish Cup and the 2021 Scottish League Cup. They are known for their passionate supporters and their ability to punch above their weight against bigger clubs.
Rangers:
Glasgow’s Rangers Football Club, also known as “The Gers,” is a giant of Scottish football. Founded in 1872, they are one of the most decorated clubs in the world, having won a staggering 55 Scottish league titles, 33 Scottish Cups, and 27 Scottish League Cups. Their passionate fanbase, known as the “Blue Army,” is one of the most recognizable in world football. After a period of financial turmoil, Rangers are back on the rise, aiming to reclaim their dominance in Scottish football.
Head-to-Head Record: A Rangers Edge, But Saints Can Bite
Rangers hold the upper hand in historical encounters. Across 42 meetings since 2006, Rangers have secured 29 victories, while St. Johnstone has managed just 5 wins. Draws have occurred in 8 matches. Looking at recent form, Rangers continued their dominance in their last meeting on February 18th, 2024, securing a 3-0 victory thanks to two penalties from James Tavernier and a goal from Mohammed Diomande. However, historical records don’t always predict the future. St. Johnstone has proven their ability to upset the odds, and with a passionate home crowd behind them, they can certainly cause problems for Rangers.
Upcoming Fixtures: Key Details and What to Expect
The upcoming season promises three exciting clashes between these two sides:
October 5th, 2024: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow (Rangers Home)
This match marks Round 7 of the Scottish Premiership. With Rangers currently ranked higher (according to pre-season predictions), they will be looking to secure a home victory and maintain momentum in the title race. However, St. Johnstone will be eager to spring a surprise and potentially climb the table themselves.
November 30th, 2024: McDiarmid Park, Perth (St. Johnstone Home)
The second encounter takes place at St. Johnstone’s home ground, McDiarmid Park. Here, the Saints will have the advantage of a passionate home crowd cheering them on. This could be a crucial factor in potentially upsetting Rangers, especially if the game is close.
January 11th, 2025: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow (Rangers Home)
The final meeting of the season is another home game for Rangers. By this point, the title race could be heating up, and Rangers will be aiming to claim all three points. However, depending on the league standings and recent form, this match could also be crucial for St. Johnstone’s position in the table.
What to Expect:
These encounters are likely to be high-energy affairs. Rangers will be dominant in possession, looking to break down the St. Johnstone defense with their attacking prowess. St. Johnstone, on the other hand, will likely employ a more defensive strategy, aiming to hit Rangers on the counter-attack and capitalize on any set-piece opportunities.
Key Players to Watch:
Rangers: James Tavernier (Captain, Right Back) – A prolific goalscorer, especially from penalties.
Alfredo Morelos (Striker) – A clinical finisher with a knack for scoring crucial goals.
Ryan Kent (Winger) – A creative force with pace and dribbling skills.
St. Johnstone: Jamie McCart (Captain, Centre Back) – A solid defender and leader at the back.
YouTube as a Source of Pre-Match Content
With the match inching closer, fans can turn to YouTube for a wealth of pre-match content. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Official Club Channels: Both Rangers and St. Johnstone have active YouTube channels featuring highlights from previous encounters, player interviews, and training sessions. These channels offer valuable insights into the teams’ preparations and current form.
Highlights and Analysis: Several channels specialize in Scottish football, providing match highlights, in-depth analysis, and pre-match predictions. These channels offer expert opinions and a platform for fans to engage in discussions about the upcoming fixture.
Historical Documentaries: Delving into the rich tapestry of Scottish football, YouTube offers documentaries exploring the history of both clubs and their rivalry. Understanding the historical context can add another layer of appreciation for the upcoming match.
FAQs
Match Status: Since today’s date is July 8th, 2024, there are currently no upcoming fixtures between St. Johnstone and Rangers. Their last match was on February 23rd, 2024.
General Information
Competition: Scottish Premiership (assuming the next match follows the same format)
Venue: McDiarmid Park, Perth (subject to confirmation)
For Fans Attending the Match
Tickets: Information on tickets will likely be available closer to the fixture date. Check the official websites of St. Johnstone and Rangers for ticketing updates.
Travel and Parking: Away fans (Rangers supporters) are advised to check Rangers’ website for travel information and any away fan coach details. Parking details for MacDiarmid Park can also be found there. On matchdays, expect the car park to fill up quickly.
Stadium Arrangements: For matches against Rangers, St Johnstone operates a different seating allocation. Away fans are typically situated in the North, East and Ormond Stands. Season ticket holders for these stands can use unreserved seating in the Main Stand.
Broadcast Information
TV and Streaming: Channels and streaming services showing the match will be confirmed closer to the date. Keep an eye on the official websites and social media pages of both clubs for broadcast details.
Looking for the Latest Match Report or Highlights?
Search online using terms like “St Johnstone vs Rangers highlights” or “Scottish Premiership match report” after the game has taken place. You can also check the official YouTube channels of both teams.
Conclusion
Stay tuned to the official channels of St Johnstone and Rangers for the latest information on the next fixture between these two sides. This FAQ will be updated when a new match is scheduled.
To read more, Click here