---
title: "Rangers host St Johnstone needing a result ahead of cup tie"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2017/03/01/rangers-johnstone-needing-result-cup-tie"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2017-03-01T13:23:03Z"
modified: "2017-03-01T13:23:03Z"
---

# Rangers host St Johnstone needing a result ahead of cup tie

It’s midweek football for Rangers tonight as they host St Johnstone at Ibrox.

Friday’s defeat at Inverness was yet another abysmal result for a Rangers side horrendously out of form.

Graeme Murty will still be in charge for the game, his first home league fixture as caretaker boss. Rangers are unlikely to appoint a new manager before the match but are [expected to make a decision in the next couple of weeks.](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/772705/Rangers-to-appoint-new-director-of-football-this-week)

Last week’s defeat in the Highlands, coupled with the defeat at Dundee prior to that has left Rangers nine points behind Aberdeen ahead of kick-off. Rivals Celtic are also 33 points ahead.

> YouTube: PRESS CONFERENCE | Graeme Murty | 27 Feb 2017

Realistic expectation for Rangers this season was the challenge for second. But falling short of that target, and trailing Celtic by a mammoth total has been painful.

This weekend, the Light Blues host Hamilton Accies in the quarter final of the Scottish Cup. Their recent performances and results do not resemble a team capable of putting together a cup run. However, a home victory over the Saints will provide a little momentum going into that game on Saturday lunchtime.

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A trip to Celtic Park also awaits Rangers on Sunday week. Back-to-back home victories will certainly lift spirits in the Rangers camp going into that game. But without a manager or a win in the last three Old Firm derbies, it will be a tough ask regardless of momentum.

Veteran defender Clint Hill has said a new managerial appointment soon will help to make sure European qualification, at least, is not squandered.

> Obviously, getting someone in – the sooner the better – would be great for us. European qualification is still something we want and still something we hold in our hands.

The battle with St Johnstone will be a difficult one as Tommy Wright’s side have held Rangers in the last two league meetings.

> YouTube: PRESS CONFERENCE | Clint Hill | 27 Feb 2017

It is results against the league’s better sides where Rangers tend to have faltered this season. A victory over the Perth side is a must-win as closing the gap on second place becomes the latest objective.

[**New manager: latest rumours**](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-close-new-manager-alex-9938093)

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