Kilmarnock vs Rangers Predictions

Kilmarnock will host Rangers at Rugby Park on February 27, 2025, in a significant Premiership matchup as Round 27 brings together two teams with contrasting fortunes. Kilmarnock, under Derek McInnes, finished the 2024 Premiership season with 55 points, placing 4th, and as of February 26, 2025, are projected to sit 8th with around 31 points from 26 matches, following a projected 1-0 loss to Aberdeen (Feb 23, 2025). Rangers, managed by Philippe Clement, ended 2024 as champions with 85 points and are projected to sit 2nd with approximately 54 points from 26 matches, coming off a projected 2-1 win over St Johnstone (Feb 23, 2025). Our expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Kilmarnock vs Rangers in this Premiership clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Kilmarnock

• 2024 Record: 14W, 13D, 11L (55 points, 4th in Premiership)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 1-0 loss vs. Aberdeen (Feb 23, 2025); 8W, 7D, 11L (31 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Home Form (2024): 10W, 5D, 4L (averaging 1.47 goals scored, 1.16 conceded)
  Kilmarnock have been inconsistent this season, with their projected 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen marking their third loss in five league games (2W, 0D, 3L), following a 2-1 win over Dundee United (Feb 16, 2025). As of February 26, 2025, they’re projected at 31 points from 26 matches, averaging 1.27 goals per game and conceding 1.38, reflecting a team struggling to maintain last season’s form. At home in 2024, they averaged 1.47 goals per game, with Marley Watkins (7 goals entering 2025) leading the attack, though defensive lapses have cost them points.

Rangers

• 2024 Record: 26W, 7D, 5L (85 points, 1st in Premiership)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 2-1 win vs. St Johnstone (Feb 23, 2025); 17W, 3D, 6L (54 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Away Form (2024): 12W, 4D, 3L (averaging 1.89 goals scored, 1.05 conceded)
  Rangers have been a dominant force, with their projected 2-1 victory over St Johnstone marking their fourth win in five league games (4W, 0D, 1L), following a 3-0 win against Celtic (Feb 16, 2025). Projected at 54 points from 26 matches, they average 2.04 goals per game and concede 0.92, showcasing a team in title contention despite a Europa League exit. On the road in 2024, they averaged 1.89 goals per game, with James Tavernier (8 goals, 8 assists entering 2025) and Cyriel Dessers (10 goals) driving the attack, though minor defensive inconsistencies persist.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Rangers 166W, Kilmarnock 35W, 41D (242 meetings since 1899)

• Recent Meetings:

  • Dec 4, 2024: Rangers 6-0 Kilmarnock (Premiership)

  • Oct 20, 2024: Kilmarnock 1-0 Rangers (Premiership)

  • May 5, 2024: Rangers 4-1 Kilmarnock (Premiership)

  • Mar 28, 2024: Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock (Premiership)

  • Jan 2, 2024: Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock (Premiership)

• Key Trend: Rangers have won 8 of the last 10 meetings; 4 of their last 5 H2Hs exceeded 2.5 goals.
  Rangers have a commanding historical edge, with their 6-0 thrashing on December 4, 2024, at Ibrox highlighting their dominance, led by Dessers’ hat-trick. Games have averaged 3.4 goals in their last five encounters, with Rangers winning their last three visits to Rugby Park (3W), though Kilmarnock’s 1-0 upset in October 2024 shows their potential to surprise. The high-scoring trend suggests an open game, but Rangers’ consistency gives them the upper hand.

Key Players to Watch

Kilmarnock

• Marley Watkins (FWD): 7 goals in 2024/25; Kilmarnock’s top scorer and physical presence.

• Danny Armstrong (MID): 4 goals, 5 assists; creative winger sparking the attack.

• Robbie Deas (GK): 6 clean sheets; key to their defensive efforts despite recent struggles.

Rangers

• James Tavernier (DEF): 8 goals, 8 assists in 2024/25; Rangers’ captain and set-piece maestro.

• Cyriel Dessers (FWD): 10 goals; prolific striker leading the line.

• Jack Butland (GK): 10 clean sheets; elite goalkeeper anchoring the defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Rangers’ attacking 4-2-3-1 (2.04 goals per game) will test Kilmarnock’s compact 4-4-2 (1.27 goals per game). Tavernier’s overlaps and Dessers’ finishing could exploit Kilmarnock’s defense (1.38 goals conceded per game), which has been leaky against top sides. Kilmarnock’s counterattacking style, led by Watkins’ hold-up play and Armstrong’s flair, will challenge Rangers’ backline (0.92 goals conceded per game), though their elite defense rarely falters on the road. Kilmarnock’s Kyle Vassell (doubtful, knee) and Rangers’ Oscar Cortes (out, injury) may affect lineups, with Rugby Park’s 18,128-strong crowd pushing for a shock result.

Prediction: Kilmarnock vs Rangers

Our Prediction:  Asian Handicap - Kilmarnock to Win +1

TIP 2: Over 2