After a break for Scottish League Cup action last week, Rangers return to Premiership action with under-fire boss Russell Martin still seeking his first league win of the campaign. The Gers travel to the Almondvale Stadium to face Livingston at 3PM (BST) on Sunday, in what will be a crucial tie for the former Southampton manager. 

Team form

Livington have also endured a difficult start to the season. Having been knocked out of the Scottish League Cup in the second round by Hibs, David Martindale’s side stayed in league action, travelling to Dundee where they suffered a 3-2 defeat after conceding a late penalty. 

That was their third loss in four Premiership games, leaving them with just one win from six matches, a sole victory against Falkirk on matchday two. Two draws and three defeats in their other fixtures highlight Livi’s stop-start nature of their campaign so far. 

Rangers have fared even worse under Martin. The former ex-Gers defender has overseen his side’s worst Premiership start in 47 years, with four draws and one defeat leaving the Ibrox side second-bottom of the table with just four points from a possible 15. 

Scoring has been a major concern, with Rangers netting only three goals across their opening five league games, while their defence has kept just one clean sheet, a 0-0 draw against rivals Celtic. The need for a first Premiership win is urgent, with pressure already beyond boiling point on Martin. 

Head-to-head

Unsurprisingly, Rangers have a dominant record against Livingston. The Gers have won each of their last five meetings, scoring 16 goals without reply. Looking further back, Livingston have won just two of their last 34 fixtures against the Gers, the most recent coming in a 1-0 home victory back in 2016. 

While Martin’s tenure at Ibrox has already seen several records fall, his side can draw confidence from their history against Livingston ahead of Sunday’s must-win clash. 

Team news

Livingston have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to stick largely with the same starting XI that faced Dundee last weekend. 

Rangers, on the other hand, may be forced into rotation following their Europa League fixture against Genk on Thursday night. 

One player to watch could be Belgian international Nico Raskin, who scored a crucial goal against Hibs in the League Cup and could earn his first league start since the 1-1 draw with St Mirren on matchday three. 

Key Stats

• Lewis Smith has contributed two goals and an assist in five league games for Livingston.

• Rangers captain James Tavernier has scored two of the Gers’ three league goals so far.

• Rangers have won their last five meetings with Livingston, scoring 16 goals and conceding none.

• Livingston have beaten Rangers only twice since 2003, most recently in 2016.

Prediction 

While Rangers have struggled to find form in the Premiership, their record against Livingston suggests they should have enough quality to claim the three points on Sunday. The League Cup win over Hibs may provide a confidence boost, and if Martin’s side can improve their attacking efficiency and maintain defensive solidity, a win at the Almondvale Stadium is well within reach.