IT’S VALENTINE’S Day next week and this weekend is all about the romance of the Cup – but it might be a stretch to say love will be in the Ayr at Ibrox this evening.
Championship stragglers United are in town to face Rangers for the first time in half a decade.
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But that’s only half the story with the chance to join Morton in the quarter final draw tomorrow at stake.
The recent change in manager at Somerset Park has seen Lee Bullen replaced by Scott Brown – and pitched the former Celtic captain into a ‘reunion’ with his old rivals.
They’ ve already publicly disagreed in the build-up to the big game with Philippe Clement claiming Brown “doesn’t like Rangers very much” – but Brown countered he “has a lot of love” for the club.
He’ll be flanked by ex-Gers title winner Steven Whittaker in the dugout… but there’s even more spice in store with the SFA choice of referee for the match.
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Gers were on a collision course with Hampden beaks last month and requested Willie Collum is left out of matches involving the club.
But he’s the man in the middle in tonight’s televised clash – and here’s how you can tune in.
What time does Rangers v Ayr United kick off?
- Rangers take on Ayr United in the Scottish Cup last 16 TODAY (Saturday, February 10)
- The match will be played at Ibrox.
- Kick off is 5.30pm UK time
- If required after a draw, extra time and penalties will be played.
What channel is Rangers v Ayr United on and can I live stream it?
- Rangers v Ayr United is on Viaplay 1
- Coverage starts at 5pm – but there’s a re-run of previous round highlights between Gers and Dumbarton at 4.40pm.
- These can be streamed online by subscribers through the Viaplay website, or on Amazon Prime.
- There will also be free to air highlights on Sportscene shown tonight, on BBC One at 10.30pm.
Who is the referee? Will VAR be used?
- Willie Collum is the match ref for the last-16 clash.
- He will be assisted by Dougie Potter and Craig Ferguson on the touchlines, and fourth official Craig Napier.
- VAR will be in use for the match – one of only two games this round.
- Andrew Dallas will be the VAR official at Clydesdale House with Graeme Stewart his assistant.
Team news
Rangers failed in their appeal for Dujon Sterling’s midweek red card against Aberdeen.
That means he misses this game and the midweek catch-up clash with Ross County.
The injury list at Ibrox includes long term absentees Danilo and Kemar Roofe, as well as Leon Balogun. Tom Lawrence won’t feature either as Philippe Clement manages his return from injury.
At Ayr, Scott Brown has an Old Firm duo in the dugout AND the pitch with wide men Aiden McGeady and Jamie Murphy also at his disposal.
Latest odds
Rangers 1/14 (Ladbrokes)
Draw 14/1 (Skybet)
Ayr United 45/1 (PaddyPower, Skybet)
*odds correct as at 8.30am on Saturday, February 10.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page