Livingston Vs Rangers: Team News, Late Goals and Predicted XI as Title Race Intensifies
The latest build-up to livingston vs rangers sees Rangers travel to the league’s rock-bottom side after a mammoth home victory over Premiership leaders Hearts, with the title race tight and a number of match incidents and squad questions shaping the weekend. Hearts sit four points in front of Rangers and the top two each have 10 games remaining, while Celtic are six behind the leaders with 11 matches to play.
Livingston Vs Rangers: title race and fixture context
Rangers are firmly in the title fight and will be eager to build on last weekend’s dominant 4-2 win over Hearts, a result that included an inspired hat-trick from Youssef Chermiti. That victory leaves Rangers chasing Hearts, who remain four points clear. The top two each have 10 matches left, and Celtic are six points off the lead with 11 games to play. Rangers follow Celtic in dropping points elsewhere this season, which has kept the title race unusually tense.
Late drama in West Lothian
For a long time it looked as though Danny Rohl's side would come away empty-handed in West Lothian, but Emmanuel Fernandez and Mikey Moore both scored after the 80th minute to set up a tense finale. The late goals came after home defender Cristiano Montano received a red card, changing the dynamic of the remainder of the match.
Team News: Two Changes For Livingston Away
Team news indicates Two Changes For Livingston Away. The precise nature and names involved in those two changes are unclear in the provided context.
Predicted Rangers XI vs Livingston: Rohl faces up to double injury blow pre-Livi test
Selection questions shape the predicted Rangers XI for the trip. One goalkeeper impressed with fine saves against Motherwell and produced further big moments against Hearts last weekend. An ageing skipper may have struggled at Fir Park but will deputise while Dujon Sterling is sidelined through injury again. Another senior player has not been at his best recently but remains someone Rangers will rely on over the coming weeks and has signed a new contract earlier this week.
One squad member played just 17 minutes against Motherwell during a late cameo; Rangers missed his aerial threat from set pieces in both boxes, and he returned against Hearts last week and is likely to retain his spot. A surprise omission against Motherwell was notable because a recent arrival from Belgium has shown strong displays and proved why he should be a first-choice pick with a commanding performance last week.
At the base of midfield there is a strong physical presence who offers balance, has a great eye for a pass and is not afraid to try his luck from distance. Another midfielder has been locked in contract talks with club chiefs this week; his discipline can let him down sometimes but he remains a key cog in the middle of the park and will play an integral role going forward. A teammate with a slight tendency to lose the head is nonetheless a classy operator on his day and complements Raskin well.
A hugely surprising omission versus Motherwell involved a Danish international who arrived in Scotland with a big reputation and now faces pressure to shine after being branded a cheat for a dive in the box against Hearts. With Djeidi Gassama allowing his levels to dip, the Tottenham loanee is fast developing into a fan favourite and should still be favoured, despite Hearts nullifying his threat last week. Chermiti may have missed a sitter against Motherwell but compensated with a sublime hat-trick at home to the Jambos; with Ryan Naderi picking up a knock, the former Everton hitman will be given the chance to build on that showing.
Hibs at Celtic Park: key incidents and VAR questions
Hibs won at Celtic Park for the first time since January 2010. Felix Passlack scored with a crashing header from a Nicky Cadden delivery to give the visitors the lead, and Benjamin Nygren equalised just before half-time. Celtic pressed heavily without opening Hibs up, then Auston Trusty was sent off for an angry chop at Jamie McGrath. Hibs made the most of the numerical advantage when Kai Andrews finished with a composed strike.
Late in the game, a corner to Celtic saw Jack Iredale thrash the ball over his own crossbar; play continued with no penalty and no free-kick awarded. It would seem the incident was outside the box and VAR could not intervene because it was not denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Separately, Cammy Kerr slid in on Mikey Moore, who was clear through on goal; the replay suggested Kerr did not get any of the ball and a VAR check was incoming to determine whether the challenge occurred in the box or just outside. A mere five minutes were added at Celtic Park.
These developments feed directly into the livingston vs rangers narrative: a tight title race, late-game swing moments, suspensions and injuries, and selection dilemmas that will shape the run-in for all involved. Details may continue to evolve as teams confirm official line-ups and match-day updates.
