The SPFL fixtures for 19/20 have just been released and it’s brought a mixed reaction from fans.
Some are calling the opening weekend trip to Kilmarnock predictable, whilst there’s been a criticism of us having four away days in December.
But the first fixture anyone looks at is the Old Firm. The first will be at Ibrox, four games into the season on August 31st.
And should Rangers make the playoff round of Europa League Qualifying, we could be coming back from a gruelling European away trip on the 29th by then.
The Old Firm would probably then be moved to the 1st of September.
Last season, Rangers found themselves in similar circumstances. The Gers had a 6000-mile round-trip to the Russian town of Ufa before the first Old Firm of last season.
A rather strung out Gers side fell to a 1-0 defeat at Parkhead.
As Rangers are not seeded past Qualifying Round 2, it’s likely we’ll be playing the away leg second. That’s seen as an advantage for seeded teams.
But as is always the case in football, you must deal with things as best you can. Celtic could still have European qualifiers to navigate by then too.
Besides, not only has this side experienced such a situation before, but the Rangers squad has been adding considerably more strength in depth.
With signings six and seven reportedly on the way, there could well be even more movement at Ibrox in the coming weeks.
