Rangers can expect a fired-up Dundee United tonight at Tannadice, with midfielder Luca Stephenson insisting the home side are ready to raise their levels for the visit of Danny Röhl’s team.
The 22-year-old, on loan from Liverpool, made clear in his pre-match Premier Sports interview that the atmosphere, occasion and opposition will push United to produce one of their strongest performances of the season.
Stephenson spoke openly about the significance of Rangers coming to Tannadice.
He said: “Whenever Rangers come to Tannadice, there’s always an edge. We’re massively looking forward to it.”
He highlighted that United have raised their game in big matches already this season, pointing to their European outings early in the season and away performances at Tynecastle and Easter Road.
The message was clear: against stronger opposition, United feel they can reach a higher level.
He said: “Rangers at home is no different.
“We’ll be looking to do that again.”
For a Rangers side still shaping identity under Röhl, these remarks reinforce what many Premiership opponents have admitted recently playing and drawing with Rangers remains a benchmark, an occasion, and a motivation.
Stephenson expects tonight’s match to feel different from a typical league outing.
He explained: “There’ll be a full house and an extra edge to the game that we’ll look to step up to.”
That, combined with United’s desire to respond after a poor run of results, means Rangers can expect a fast start from Jim Goodwin’s men.
Stephenson emphasised repeatedly that United’s slow openings have been costly and that correcting that is a priority against Rangers.
He said: “We’ve started too many games slowly.
“We need to start bright on the front foot tonight.”
From a Rangers perspective, that signals an early high press, aggression in duels, and a team trying to unsettle Röhl’s controlled build-up play.
Stephenson also referenced missed chances and momentum swings in recent matches, reinforcing that United see the first goal as crucial – particularly against Rangers.
“If we can get through the first 10 or 15 and gather some confidence then we’ll be in for a good night,” he said.
