Rangers manager Derek McInnes is set to unleash his new transfer recruits on Dundee United in their first test of the season. The new era officially gets underway at Tannadice on Friday as McInnes looks to secure his first win as boss.
What happened?
It feels like just yesterday that Danny Rohl was bringing the curtain down on Rangers' season - a dead rubber against Falkirk. But after another whirlwind summer, Derek McInnes is the man in the hot seat and the squad has been ripped apart - with Lawrence Shankland set to lead the team out as captain at Tannadice on Friday night.
Why it matters for Rangers
Dundee United are the first test for a Rangers side that has snapped up eight new faces so far this summer. The new recruits include Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, who checked in at Ibrox on Thursday. He will have to wait his turn for a start with Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey expected to partner Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of the revamped backline.
What comes next?
£6m goalkeeper Ivor Pandur will get the nod ahead of Liam Kelly as he succeeds Jack Butland as No. 1. It will be more familiar for the Rangers' support at full-back, with Dujon Sterling and Tuur Rommens likely start. Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin will anchor the midfield engine room - as both look to make an instant impression on fans after summer moves from Sunderland and Hearts respectively.
The team's current league standing is 2nd in Premiership, with 69 points from 33 games, and a recent form of WLLLL. They have scored 66 goals and conceded 31, with a goal difference of +35. They are 1 point behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian in the title race. Their next fixture is against Kilmarnock on the 26th of December, and they are currently sidelined by Connor Barron, José Cifuentes, and Ross McCrorie.
Rangers are looking to make a strong start to the season under new manager Derek McInnes. With a revamped squad and a new captain, the team is ready to take on Dundee United in their first test of the season. The new recruits are expected to make an instant impact, and the team is looking to make a strong statement in the league.
