Rangers vs St. Johnstone: The Ultimate Match Guide

Rangers and St. Johnstone are two prominent fixtures in Scottish football, with a competitive history rooted primarily in the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions. In their most recent encounter on January 12, 2025, Rangers secured a 3-1 victory at Ibrox, with goals from Hamza Igamane, Václav Černý, and Mohamed Diomande. Historically, Rangers have dominated this matchup, boasting over 30 wins in recent decades compared to a handful of victories for the Perth-based Saints.

This comprehensive guide explores everything from ticket prices and stadium travel to deep-dive tactical histories and legendary players. Whether you are looking for the latest head-to-head statistics, travel advice for McDiarmid Park, or a look back at the 2010 upset, this article provides the authoritative details needed for every supporter and analyst.

Historical Head-to-Head Statistics

Rangers hold a significant advantage in the overall head-to-head record against St. Johnstone, winning nearly 75% of their competitive meetings. Since the late 1990s, the “Gers” have recorded 44 wins in 60 total matches, while St. Johnstone has managed 6 victories, with 10 matches ending in a draw.

The goal difference also favors the Glasgow side heavily, with Rangers scoring over 120 goals against the Saints in the modern era. Despite this, St. Johnstone has proven to be a “banana skin” opponent in cup competitions, famously knocking Rangers out of the Scottish Cup during their double-winning 2020-21 season.

Recent Match Results

The 2024-25 season saw Rangers sweep the series against St. Johnstone with professional performances across the board. In August 2024, Rangers won 2-0 in the Premier Sports Cup, followed by a narrow 1-0 win at McDiarmid Park in December and the aforementioned 3-1 win in January 2025.

St. Johnstone’s defensive resilience has often kept the scores respectable, with Jack Sanders and Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka being key figures in their recent efforts. Rangers’ attack, led by Cyriel Dessers and Václav Černý, has consistently found ways to break through the Saints’ low-block defensive system.

Venues: Ibrox and McDiarmid

Matches are held at two of Scotland’s most distinct football grounds: the historic Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow and the modern McDiarmid Park in Perth. Ibrox is world-renowned for its 50,000+ capacity and “Blue Order” atmosphere, making it one of the most intimidating away trips for St. Johnstone.

McDiarmid Park, opened in 1989, offers a more intimate setting with a capacity of approximately 10,696. While smaller, the Perth stadium has a reputation for high-quality pitch maintenance, though the atmosphere can shift dramatically when the traveling Rangers support fills the North Stand.

Greatest Moments: 2010 Upset

One of the most famous results in this fixture occurred on March 30, 2010, when St. Johnstone shocked Rangers with a 4-1 victory at McDiarmid Park. Goals from Collin Samuel, Fran Sandaza, and a double from Danny Grainger secured a historic win for the Saints against a Rangers side that eventually won the league title.

This match remains St. Johnstone’s largest-ever margin of victory over the Glasgow giants. It is frequently cited by Saints fans as evidence that the “Davids” of the league can indeed topple the “Goliaths” on any given matchday.

Tactical Styles and Evolution

Rangers typically employ a high-pressing, possession-based 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation under managers like Philippe Clement. They look to exploit wide areas through wingers and overlapping full-backs, aiming to overwhelm smaller teams with sheer volume of chances.

St. Johnstone, conversely, has built a reputation on defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency, often utilizing a 3-5-2 or 5-4-1 structure. Their success in this fixture usually depends on a standout performance from their goalkeeper and the ability to convert a limited number of set-piece opportunities.

Legendary Players: Rangers Legends

The history of this fixture features some of Scottish football’s greatest names, including Ally McCoist and Barry Ferguson. McCoist, the club’s record goalscorer, was particularly prolific against St. Johnstone during their spells in the top flight in the 1990s.

In the modern era, James Tavernier has been a standout performer, often scoring from the penalty spot or through direct free-kicks against the Saints. His leadership and offensive output from right-back have been a constant thorn in the side of the Perth defense for nearly a decade.

Legendary Players: St. Johnstone Icons

St. Johnstone legends like Steven Anderson and David Wotherspoon are etched into the club’s history for their roles in trophy-winning seasons. Anderson is particularly remembered for his defensive heroics and his opening goal in the 2014 Scottish Cup final, a period where the Saints were highly competitive.

Stevie May is another crucial figure, known for his relentless work rate and ability to score important goals against the “Old Firm.” His presence in the frontline has historically provided the Saints with the physical edge needed to compete with Rangers’ international-level defenders.

Practical Information and Planning

Attending a match between these two clubs requires planning, especially for high-demand fixtures at Ibrox or cup ties. Tickets for home matches are generally released to season ticket holders first before moving to a general sale via the respective club websites.

• Opening Hours: Stadium gates typically open 90 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time.
• Prices: Ticket prices generally range from £28 to £55 for adults at Ibrox and £22 to £30 at McDiarmid Park.
• How to get there: Ibrox is easily accessible via the Glasgow Subway (Ibrox station); McDiarmid Park is located just off the A9 in Perth, with ample parking and shuttle buses from the city center.
• What to expect: Expect rigorous security checks and a segregated environment for home and away supporters to ensure safety.
• Tips: Buy tickets early for the away end, as Rangers supporters often sell out their allocation at McDiarmid Park within hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the last time St. Johnstone beat Rangers? 

St. Johnstone’s last significant win over Rangers occurred in November 2022, a 2-1 victory at McDiarmid Park. Prior to that, their most famous recent triumph was a penalty shootout victory in the 2021 Scottish Cup quarter-final.

What is the capacity of Ibrox Stadium? 

Ibrox Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 50,817. It is one of the highest-rated stadiums in the UK and frequently hosts sell-out crowds for Premiership matches.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the match? 

It is highly unlikely to find walk-up tickets on matchday for this fixture. Both clubs operate digital ticketing systems, and matches are often sold out or restricted to club members.

How far is Glasgow from Perth? 

The distance between Glasgow and Perth is approximately 60 miles. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or train, making it an easy trip for traveling supporters.

Who has scored the most goals in this fixture? 

Ally McCoist holds the record for the most goals in matches between these two clubs during the modern era. More recently, James Tavernier has been the most frequent scorer for Rangers against the Saints.

What are the nicknames of the two teams? 

Rangers are commonly known as “The Gers,” “The Teddy Bears,” or “The Light Blues.” St. Johnstone are known as “The Saints” or “Saintee.”

Is there hospitality available at McDiarmid Park? 

Yes, St. Johnstone offers several hospitality packages, including the Centenary Suite and executive boxes. These packages typically include a meal, drinks, and premium seating.

Where do away fans sit at Ibrox? 

Away supporters at Ibrox are usually housed in the corner between the Broomloan and Sandy Jardine stands. For smaller allocations, they are placed in the Govan Stand.

Has a player ever played for both clubs? 

Yes, several players have represented both, including striker Stevie May and midfielder Jason Holt. Loans of young Rangers players to St. Johnstone are also quite common.

What competition has this fixture occurred in most? 

The vast majority of meetings have taken place in the Scottish Premiership (and its predecessor, the SPL). However, they have also met frequently in the Scottish Cup and the League Cup.

What is the record scoreline between the two? 

Rangers’ biggest victory was a 7-0 win at McDiarmid Park in November 1998. St. Johnstone’s biggest win was the 4-1 victory in March 2010.

Final Thoughts

The Rangers vs. St. Johnstone fixture continues to be a cornerstone of the Scottish football calendar, offering a compelling blend of Glasgow power and Perthshire grit. While the historical data points to a Rangers dominance, the occasional upsets and hard-fought cup ties ensure that fans never take a result for granted.

As the 2025-26 season progresses, both clubs will look to build on their respective identities—Rangers chasing league silver and St. Johnstone striving for top-flight stability. For any football enthusiast, understanding the nuances of this matchup is key to appreciating the broader landscape of the Scottish Premiership.

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