The Scottish Premiership fixture between Rangers FC vs St. Johnstone FC continues to capture the attention of football fans both in Scotland and internationally. As of 2025, Rangers, historically one of Scotland’s most successful football clubs, face St. Johnstone, a team that has made a significant impact in recent years. This rivalry, while not as heated as the Old Firm matchups, is still full of exciting encounters, fierce competition, and moments of drama.
Historical Context of Rangers vs. St. Johnstone
Rangers Football Club: A Legacy of Success
Rangers FC, founded in 1872, is one of the two most successful clubs in Scottish football, with an extensive history of domestic and European success. Rangers are well-known for their dominance in the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cups, and Scottish League Cups, as well as their numerous league titles.
Rangers have traditionally been a force to be reckoned with, especially in head-to-head encounters against most Scottish teams, including St. Johnstone. Their fanbase is passionate, and the club has maintained a high standard of football for over a century.
However, the club has experienced some turbulent times in the past, including the financial troubles that led to their liquidation in 2012, which forced them to start anew in the lower divisions. Rangers have worked hard to rebuild their squad and infrastructure, with a notable return to the Premiership and a successful recovery in the 2010s.
St. Johnstone Football Club: The Underdogs with a Bite
St. Johnstone FC, founded in 1884, is based in Perth, Scotland, and has traditionally been considered one of the smaller clubs in Scottish football. However, the Saints have had moments of glory, with the most notable being their success in the 2014 Scottish Cup and the 2015 Scottish League Cup. Their ability to compete with the top clubs, including Rangers, has been a defining feature of their recent history.
While St. Johnstone is not typically in the same category as Celtic or Rangers in terms of historical success, their defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and teamwork have earned them respect in Scottish football circles. Under various managers, St. Johnstone has shown that they can upset the odds, and their matches against Rangers often carry the potential for surprises.
Tactical Breakdown: How Rangers and St. Johnstone Play
Rangers’ Tactical Approach
Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst (2021-2024) and later Michael Beale (2024 onwards), Rangers’ tactical style has evolved but remains centered around possession-based football and quick attacking transitions. Rangers like to dominate possession, control the tempo of the game, and exploit the spaces created by their attacking wingers and full-backs.
In their matches against St. Johnstone, Rangers typically deploy a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing their wide players to stretch the opposition and create space for their central attackers. James Tavernier and Borna Barišić are key figures in this approach, providing width and overlapping runs to deliver dangerous crosses into the box.
Against St. Johnstone, Rangers need to break down a well-organized defense. Their full-backs and attacking midfielders must pull St. Johnstone’s defensive block out of position to open up chances for their central striker.
St. Johnstone’s Tactical Approach
St. Johnstone, under Callum Davidson, generally adopts a 5-4-1 formation, prioritizing a compact defense and relying on counter-attacks. Their strategy against stronger teams like Rangers is to stay organized, break up play in midfield, and quickly transition to attack when the opportunity arises.
St. Johnstone’s defensive discipline is often their strongest asset, with players like Liam Gordon and Andrew Considine ensuring that Rangers find it difficult to break through. On the counter-attack, St. Johnstone often looks to exploit the pace of Chris Kane and Ali McCann, who are capable of causing problems on the break.
Key Players for Rangers and St. Johnstone 2025
Key Players for Rangers
James Tavernier (Captain): The attacking right-back has been one of Rangers’ most consistent performers, contributing with goals and assists. His leadership and delivery from set-pieces make him a pivotal figure.
Alfredo Morelos: The Colombian striker remains a key figure in Rangers’ attack. His physicality, work rate, and finishing ability make him a constant threat in the box.
Ryan Kent: Kent’s pace and dribbling make him a dangerous winger. His ability to create chances and link up with Morelos is vital in Rangers’ offensive play.
Key Players for St. Johnstone
Liam Gordon: The central defender has been instrumental in St. Johnstone’s solid defensive setup. His leadership and composure at the back make him a key figure.
Chris Kane: The forward is often the focal point of St. Johnstone’s counter-attacks. Kane has the pace and finishing ability to trouble Rangers’ defense.
Ali McCann: The midfielder is known for his energy and creativity. McCann can make incisive runs and play key passes, helping St. Johnstone in transition.
Rangers vs. St. Johnstone: Key Moments to Look Forward to in 2025
As we look toward 2025, both clubs are expected to remain competitive. Rangers will likely continue to fight for the title and aim to maintain their domestic dominance, while St. Johnstone will be striving to secure a mid-table finish or possibly challenge for a top-six spot.
Rangers’ Domestic Goals
In 2025, Rangers are focused on retaining the Scottish Premiership title and making a deep run in European competitions. Their encounters with St. Johnstone will be crucial for maintaining momentum in the league.
St. Johnstone’s Ambition
For St. Johnstone, a strong performance against Rangers could help them secure a top-half finish in the league and achieve consistency. They will be looking to replicate some of their surprise performances against larger clubs and continue building on their solid defensive foundation.
Final Thoughts
While the Rangers vs. St. Johnstone match up may not carry the same level of drama as the Old Firm clash, it remains a fixture full of excitement, tactics, and competitive football. As of 2025, Rangers are still a dominant force in the Scottish Premiership, but St. Johnstone’s ability to cause upsets and compete with the best makes their encounters a must-watch for football fans.
FAQs
What is the overall head-to-head record between Rangers and St. Johnstone in recent seasons?
As of 2025, Rangers have dominated their recent encounters with St. Johnstone, winning 8 out of the last 12 Premier League meetings. However, St. Johnstone managed to win 1 match in the 2021-2022 season and earn 2 draws in other fixtures.
What has been the most memorable match between Rangers and St. Johnstone?
The 2021-2022 match, where St. Johnstone pulled off a 1-0 victory over Rangers at McDiarmid Park, is one of the most memorable moments in recent history. It was a huge upset, and the match featured a brilliant defensive performance from St. Johnstone and a clinical goal by Chris Kane.
What is the likelihood of St. Johnstone upsetting Rangers in 2025?
While Rangers are the favorites in most of their encounters with St. Johnstone, the Saints have shown in the past that they are capable of pulling off surprises. With solid defensive organization and the potential for a clinical counter-attack, St. Johnstone could cause problems for Rangers, especially in a high-stakes match.
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