Rangers Scottish Cup campaign gets underway today against minnows Peterhead in the third round in a slightly easier opener than last year’s third round tie against Celtic at Parkhead.
It was disappointing to go out so early last year and Rangers will be desperate for a good run this year.
This should be a straight forward task for the Bears but nothing should be taken for granted as Peterhead will be up for it and will be out to cause what would surely be one of the giant killing acts of all time.
Peterhead, who have former Rangers man David Hagen in their squad are currently 4th in the Scottish 2nd Division after winning promotion from the 3rd Division last season. They are 18 points behind leaders Gretna who themselves were promoted last season but with they lower divisions now having playoffs they still have a great chance for back to back promotions.
The 2nd division club are set to make a small fortune from this tie today with figures of £200,000-£300,000 being mentioned. Manager Iain Stewart doesn’t know how much of that he will get to spend on players but knows that a lot of it might be used on the ground as it needs a lot of work.
Rangers shouldn’t have any problems with this tie but should give Peterhead plenty of respect as their form has been poor this season and needed extra-time to see off Clyde at Ibrox in the League Cup earlier this season.
Vital Quotes:
Iain Stewart, Peterhead Manager
‘There is a huge gulf in class between Rangers and Peterhead. We don’t get paid thousands of pounds every week. If they hit even half-decent form, it should be enough to put away Peterhead.’
Rangers Team News:
New signing Kris Boyd should get his debut today and will be keen to get on the scoresheet to boost his confidence early in his Rangers career.
The Gers have Soti Kyrgiakos and Bob Malcolm back from suspension.
Fernando Ricksen will be rested.
Player to watch: Kris Boyd
All eyes will be on new signing Kris Boyd.
Peterhead Team News:
Graeme Stewart will be missing through injury while captain Robbie Raeside will face a late fitness test.
There will be returns for Martin Bavidge, Calvin Shand and Iain Good.
Player to watch: David Hagen
Rangers fans will know all about former player David Hagen.
Match Facts & Stats
Rangers
Last Scottish Cup tie: Celtic 2 Rangers 1, R3 (Jan 2005)
Current form (last 5 matches): Won 3, Drawn 2, Lost 0, Goals For 11, Against 6
Peterhead
Last Scottish Cup tie: East Fife 0 Peterhead 3, R2 (Dec 2005)
Current form (last 5 matches): Won 4, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Goals For 7, Against 3
***Peterhead haven’t conceded in the last 4 games***
Ref Watch:
Brian Winter
Match Prediction:
Rangers 4 Peterhead 1
Next Fixtures:
Rangers next fixture v Motherwell (a), Sun 15.1.2006