Scottish Premiership 2020/21: Livingston vs Rangers – tactical analysis

Rangers arrived in West Lothian with the aim of reclaiming the top spot in the Scottish Premiership and could go two points ahead of Hibernian whilst keeping their 100% record with a win. The hosts Livingston have not started in the same vein as they lost their first two games before grabbing their first point to leave them third from the bottom facing Steven Gerrard’s in form Rangers who have amassed seven goals and haven’t conceded a goal in their first three games, so a tough ask for Gary Holt’s men was expected.

In reality, Livingston performed valiantly on the day making it difficult for Rangers to conjure many clear goal-scoring opportunities even with The Gers having 79% possession. Rangers best chance to grab a goal was not from open play but as a result of a well-struck free-kick deep into the second half from Borna Barišić but his effort was well saved from the debutant Livingston keeper Max Stryjek. Livingston’s resilience nature ensured they grabbed a well-earned point as the game ended 0-0 in the Tony Macaroni Arena.

This tactical analysis will provide a breakdown of this game focusing on the tactics of both teams and explain how Livingston set up in a well organised defensive structure which frustrated Gerrard’s side. This analysis will also look at some strategies that Rangers tried to penetrate this rigid defensive shape.

Lineups

Gary Holt erred on the side caution when hosting The Gers as he set up his team in a 4-5-1 formation. The Livingston boss made a host of changes making five in total from the side that drew 2-2 with Motherwell at Fir Park last week. Robby McCrorie dropped out of the side as he was not able to play against his parent club and so made way for Max Stryjek who made his first start for his club in goal.

Nicky Devlin and Jack McMillian came into the backline replacing Ciaron Brown and Aaron Taylor- Sinclair. Jason Holt made his debut for Livingston facing his former club Rangers as Scott Robinson made way for the midfielder. The last change was a big exclusion with Lyndon Dykes not even making the squad as he looks set to join QPR in the EFL as Jack Hamilton started up front in his absence.

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