The Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser against Livingston is now only days away and everyone at Rangers is buzzing ahead of the new season.
There’s a good feeling around the Ibrox club with the Gers firm favourites to retain the title and secure 56 after a legendary unbeaten campaign last season.
The Champions are preparing their title defence this weekend. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
But the club is also boosted by the imminent return of supporters; the only thing missing from the Gers’ triumph last season being the presence of the fans, in the stadium at least.
And before we take a look at the first competitive XI of the season, the news that Rangers will have 23k supporters in the ground is huge for the club.
The capacity of the ground has been sizeably increased from the original 17k and fans who’ve been balloted will already be looking out their jerseys and their scarves.
Rangers v Livingston –
23,000 Season Ticket Holders will attend this Saturdays game. Emails are now being distributed to Season Ticket Holders successful in the ballot.
Those successful may now log on and confirm their seats.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 27, 2021
What a feeling it will be for everyone walking down Paisley Road West this weekend as they arrive at Ibrox in fine voice and ready to cheer on the Champions.
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But what side do we expect to play against Livingston, in what promises to be a tough enough test against David Martindale’s side?
We expect Rangers to go as full strength as they can at this stage of the season amid injury and quarantining.
Allan McGregor takes the gloves, whilst Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and James Tavernier complete the back five.
In midfield, we’re expecting John Lundstram to make a competitive debut alongside Steven Davis and Glen Kamara.
We’re backing John Lundstram to make a debut against Livingston. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
And up top, Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi will start behind the striker with the big decision to be taken regarding who starts up top.
Despite much excitement around Fashion Sakala, we’re expecting Cedric Itten to get his reward against the Lions for some fine pre-season form.
However, it could be on the European stage where Cedric will need to properly step up next week.
Rangers v Livingston – Rangers predicted XI – 4-3-3
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Filip Helander
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – Steven Davis
CM – John Lundstram
CM – Glen Kamara
RF – Ianis Hagi
LF – Ryan Kent
ST – Cedric Itten