Match Preview: Rangers vs Alloa Athletic

As the 2025-26 season gathers pace, Rangers host Alloa Athletic in a Premier Sports Cup Round of 16 clash at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday evening. For Rangers, this fixture represents an opportunity to convert their recent European momentum into domestic success.

The Light Blues advanced to the Champions League play-off round with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Viktoria Plzen earlier this week, showcasing their quality on the continental stage. However, their domestic campaign has stuttered, with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Motherwell and Dundee leaving them four points adrift of early Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.

Rangers take control with a first-leg win at Ibrox in the Champions League qualifiers 💪 pic.twitter.com/CzYgVbgpWc

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 5, 2025

Alloa Athletic, meanwhile, arrive as underdogs but with confidence high after an impressive start to their League One season. Managed by Andy Graham, the Wasps have won six of their opening seven matches across all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over East Fife last weekend. This form has placed them joint-top of League One, and they now face a stern test against top-flight opposition in the cup.

Team News

Rangers:
Russell Martin may look to rotate his squad following the midweek European exertions, with the Champions League play-off first leg against Club Brugge looming next week. Injuries continue to plague the squad, with Hamza Igamane, Dujon Sterling (out until the new year), and Thelo Aasgaard sidelined.

Cyriel Dessers is doubtful after limping off against Plzen, which could see Danilo step up as the focal point of the attack. Young loanee Mikey Moore, on a season-long deal from Tottenham, is pushing for his debut, while Emmanuel Fernandes and Oscar Cortes could also see minutes.

Defensively, John Souttar might be rested, with Manny Fernandez potentially earning his first start.

Alloa Athletic:
Andy Graham has a largely fit squad to choose from, though Scott Taggart remains a doubt with a hamstring injury sustained in the warm-up last week, with David McKay likely to continue in his place.

The Wasps’ attacking trio of Kurtis Roberts, Owen Foster, and Steven Buchanan have been in fine form, supported by the in-form goalkeeper Liam McFarlane, who has kept multiple clean sheets this season.

Tactical Outlook

Rangers are likely to control possession and exploit their attacking depth, with Martin potentially deploying a 4-3-3 formation to test Alloa’s defense. The home side’s recent European performance suggests they can unlock lower-tier opposition, but complacency could be a risk against an Alloa side riding a wave of confidence.

Martin will aim for a balanced performance to avoid a cup upset, especially given last season’s early League Cup exit to Queen’s Park.

Alloa, typically operating a 4-4-2, will rely on counter-attacking pace and set-piece opportunities. Graham’s side has shown resilience, particularly with McFarlane’s shot-stopping and Devine’s recent goal-scoring form. However, containing Rangers’ firepower, even with potential rotation, will be a significant challenge.

Prediction

Rangers enter as overwhelming favorites, and despite potential squad rotation, their quality should shine through at Ibrox. Alloa’s current form is commendable, but the step up in class is likely to prove decisive. Expect a professional performance from the hosts, with goals from Danilo or a debutant like Moore potentially sealing the deal. A scoreline of 3-0 to Rangers seems plausible, though Alloa’s defensive organization could keep it tight early on.

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1, with streaming available via the Premier Sports Player (subscription required). Fans can also follow live updates on the Rangers Review website and social media channels. Referee Dan McFarlane will officiate, supported by VAR officials Greg Aitken and Gary Hilland.ConclusionThis fixture pits Rangers’ European aspirations against Alloa’s domestic resurgence, with both sides having narratives to pursue. For Rangers, a convincing win is crucial to build momentum ahead of their Champions League challenge, while Alloa will aim to make history and test their mettle. Ibrox is set for an intriguing evening of cup football—don’t miss it!