Preview v Rangers

Rangers return for the first time since January 2007. The last dozen league meetings between the two teams have seen ten Dunfermline defeats, one win and one draw.

Rangers return to East End Park on Saturday for the first time since January 2007. Back in 2006-07 the Ibrox club came to Dunfermline four times - once in the League Cup, twice in the league and once in the Scottish Cup. The record was played four, won one, drawn one and lost two but the Pars solitary win from the twenty seven Premier League meetings in Fife is not a great record.

Following the Fifers 3-2 Cup win over Rangers at the start of January 2007, it has been said by many at East End Park that they would rather have had three SPL points than a place in the Fourth Round of the Tennent`s Scottish Cup. The league meeting later that month saw the Pars go down 1-0 to an early Charlie Adam goal. The Pars last league win over Rangers was in December 2003. 

The sides last met in the Co-operative Insurance Cup last season when Rangers won 7-2 at Ibrox but the score was not a fair reflection of the contest.  The cup tie was still in the balance at the start of the second half and late goals painted a gloomier picture that those there that September night remember.  The last dozen league meetings between the two teams have seen ten Dunfermline defeats, one win and one draw.

Rangers have recorded six straight wins in the SPL since their opening day fright at home to Hearts. Dunfermline have put in some great performances but with three points from three draws in their four home games, home form has been just a shade disappointing.

Rangers have not lost an away game in the SPL since 21st January at Tynecastle - their only away defeat of last season`s campaign. The Gers won 16 of their 19 away SPL matches last season.  After losing just one league game last season, Dunfermline lost their impressive home record when Motherwell`s 4-2 win gave them an SPL lesson at the end of August.

Rangers have yet to lose a goal away from home in this season`s SPL.  They have played four, won four and scored eight goals. The Pars came back from 2-0 down against Hibs last Saturday and Ally McCoist`s team who will be smarting from their Scottish Communities Cup defeat at Falkirk on Wednesday night are sure not to underestimate the First Division champions.

Last Time Out

DUNFERMLINE (v Hibernian): Paul Gallacher, Jason Thomson, Andy Dowie, Alex Keddie, Austin McCann (c); David Graham, Paul Burns, Ryan Thomson, Gary Mason, Joe Cardle; Andy Kirk. (Andy Barrowman 58)
SUBS NOT USED: Chris Smith (GK), John Potter, Shaun Byrne, Paul Willis, Paddy Boyle, Liam Buchanan.

RANGERS (v Fakirk):- Neil Alexander, Steven Whittaker, Dorin Goian, Bocanegra, Sasa Papac, Alejandro Bedoya (Steven Naismith 59), Steven Davis, Lee McCulloch, Gregg Wylde, Kyle Lafferty, David Healy (Nikica Jelavic 55)
SUBS NOT USED: Allan McGregor, Kirk Broadfoot, Palazon Juanma Ortiz.

For the 99th league meeting between these sides the referee will be Iain Brines, the man responsible for reporting Macc`as indiscretion at Rugby Park.

Remember it`s a 12.45pm kick off and the game is all ticket.  Jim McIntyre has put out an appeal for Pars fans to turn out in their numbers to make sure the team can take full advantage of playing at home.  Come along and join the cry "Come on ye Pars!"