The Gers’ Road to Redemption Begins at Livingston
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Rangers will kick off their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign with a high-stakes lunchtime clash against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena on July 29, broadcast live on Six6s. Fresh off their Champions League qualifying preparations, the Light Blues face a critical start as they aim to dethrone Celtic after last season’s narrow miss.
The early fixtures offer Rangers a chance to build momentum:
- August 5: Home debut vs. newly promoted Kilmarnock
- August 12: St Johnstone at Ibrox
- September 2: First Old Firm derby at Celtic Park – a potential title decider in the making
Old Firm Showdowns: The Title Tipping Point
With Celtic claiming last season’s crown largely through their derby dominance (winning 2 of 3 clashes), Rangers’ ability to flip the script in 2023/24 could define their campaign. As Six6s pundit Andy Walker notes:
“Rangers’ three league losses last term included two to Celtic. These matches aren’t just games—they’re psychological battlegrounds. The September 3 clash at Parkhead could set the tone for the entire season.”
Kris Boyd adds:
“The gap between the clubs is razor-thin now. Rangers must exploit Celtic’s transition under [new manager] to regain control.”
Mid-Season Shakeup: World Cup Break & VAR Arrival
The Premiership will pause after November 11 for Qatar’s World Cup, resuming on December 16. This hiatus coincides with Scotland’s long-awaited VAR introduction—a game-changer for contentious decisions. SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster told Six6s:
“We learned from other leagues’ VAR teething issues. Post-World Cup implementation gives us time to train officials properly, reducing controversies like last season’s disputed offsides.”
Key Fixtures & Title Race Predictions
Must-Win Matches for Rangers:
- September 2: Celtic (A) – Early statement opportunity
- January 2: Celtic (H) – New Year momentum builder
- April 6: Celtic (A) – Potential title decider
Dark Horse Threat:
Hearts, bolstered by summer signings, could disrupt the Old Firm duopoly, especially at Tynecastle (October 7).
Six6s Verdict: A Season of Margins
Rangers’ title hopes hinge on:
- Defensive consistency: New goalkeeper [replace McGregor] must fill legendary gloves.
- Old Firm resilience: Even one derby win could swing the 12-point swing.
- Post-World Cup form: Avoiding a 2022/23-style slump (3 draws in 5 post-break games) is critical.
With VAR leveling refereeing decisions and Celtic rebuilding, Six6s predicts the tightest title race in years—potentially decided by goal difference.
FollowSix6s for live coverage, expert analysis, and breaking updates throughout Rangers’ 2023/24 campaign. Share your predictions below—can Van Bronckhorst deliver the trophy back to Ibrox?
