I can only hope that the feelings of the support are not going to be mirrored by the feelings of the team. If that is the case, then expect a turgid and tense afternoon.
I’m not really sure Livingston are the ideal opponents for us right now. They are the epitome of everything we’ve struggled against since the turn of the year.
An organised and physical team that you can guarantee will be up for the game on Saturday and will fancy their chances of snatching something.
Livingston are under no illusions of what they are. In an interview after their victory over St. Mirren on Wednesday night, Gary Holt talked about feeling no shame in his team being good at what they do and said they have yet to earn the right to “play football and win.”
It may not be pretty to watch most of the time but I find it hard to criticise them as it’s clearly working. A team the size of Livingston have no right to be sitting fifth in the league and could very well be playing European football next season.
They have an obvious focal point in Lyndon Dykes, who scored the winner on Wednesday. He is possibly the best striker outside the Old Firm and was linked with us heavily in January.
If he would fit into the Rangers system is a question that doesn’t need to be answered, for now. What is certain is he fits very well into what Livingston do and will be their main threat.
From a Rangers point of view, do better.
It’s a simplistic way of looking at things. However, despite everything I’ve said bumming Livingston up we should still have enough to beat them at Ibrox with relative comfort. Should!
Ultimately, this match will depend on us. If we are as lethargic as we have been so far this year, if we allow ourselves to be out muscled and let Livingston into the game then it will be a difficult afternoon.
Either way, Saturday could be a glimpse into how the rest of this season is going to go.
