As one of Scotland’s most storied football clubs, Rangers Football Club always attracts significant attention from fans and analysts alike. With the 2023/24 season underway, supporters are keen to know when their team will be in action, who their opponents will be, and what the key fixtures are that could define the course of their season.
Domestic Fixtures: Scottish Premiership 2023/24
The heart of any Ranger season is the Scottish Premiership, where they compete against rivals, clubs, and teams from across the nation. The club’s fixture list for the domestic league includes home and away encounters with all other Scottish top-flight teams, with particular focus on the Old Firm derby against Celtic, which is one of the most anticipated matches on the Scottish football calendar. Here is an overview of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership fixtures:
Season Opener Against Livingston (August 2023) Rangers begin the 2023/24 campaign with an away match against Livingston. It is important for the team to start the season with a victory to build momentum for the matches ahead.
The Old Firm Derby (September 2023) One of the most high-profile games of the season, the first Old Firm derby of the season will take place in September at Celtic Park. The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is one of the most intense in world football, and this match will be crucial for both teams’ aspirations.
Home Match Against Aberdeen (October 2023) After facing Livingston on the road, Rangers will play Aberdeen at home at Ibrox in October. Historically, Rangers have had a good record against Aberdeen, but they must remain focused as the Dons have always been a competitive side.
Scottish Cup Fixtures for Rangers 2023/24
Apart from the league, Rangers are always in contention for domestic cup competitions, and the Scottish Cup is no exception. With a rich history in the tournament, the club will be looking to add another Scottish Cup trophy to their cabinet this season.
Early Rounds (October-November 2023) Rangers typically enter the Scottish Cup in the early rounds, where they will face teams from lower divisions. These early fixtures are critical for the team to progress to the latter stages. However, they will be cautious not to underestimate any opposition, as upsets can occur.
Quarterfinals and Beyond (February-March 2024) As the tournament progresses, Rangers could meet other Premiership sides in the quarterfinals and semifinals. The competition intensifies during these rounds, and Rangers will need to be in top form to progress to the final.
UEFA Europa League Fixtures for Rangers 2023/24
Rangers have also been regulars in European competitions, and their journey in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League will be one of the key highlights of the season. The club will be looking to make a deep run in Europe, with aspirations of reaching the latter stages and potentially winning the prestigious trophy.
Group Stage Matches (September-November 2023) Rangers will begin their Europa League campaign in the group stage, where they will be drawn against several top teams from across Europe. These games will be crucial for the team’s chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. Matches against familiar European opponents will challenge Rangers’ tactical approach and the team’s ability to cope with high-quality opposition.
Knockout Rounds (February-March 2024) If Rangers make it through the group stages, they will face a knockout round in early 2024. These matches are do-or-die affairs, and Rangers will need to be at their very best to navigate through strong teams from across the continent. Historically, Rangers have had a decent track record in knockout stages, and they will be aiming for another run into the quarterfinals or beyond.
Potential Final in May 2024 If Rangers can continue their successful European journey, they may find themselves in the final, which will take place in May 2024. A Europa League final appearance would mark a significant achievement for the club, especially after their near-miss in the 2020/21 season when they reached the Round of 16.
Key Players to Watch in the 2023/24 Rangers Fixtures
Rangers’ success this season will heavily rely on the performances of their key players. Some of the top talents to keep an eye on include:
Alfredo Morelos: The Colombian striker is one of the club’s most prolific goal scorers and will be pivotal in leading the line for Rangers in both domestic and European competitions.
James Tavernier: As the club captain and a right-back known for his attacking contributions, Tavernier will continue to be a key player, providing leadership and assists from wide positions.
Ryan Kent: Kent’s speed and creativity on the wing make him a major threat to opposition defenses. His performances in the 2023/24 season will be crucial for Rangers’ attack.
John Lundstram: A central midfielder who is known for his work rate, defensive solidity, and ability to score goals, Lundstram’s performances will be key in ensuring that Rangers dominate the midfield battles.
Ben Davies: With the defensive line often under pressure, Davies will play an important role in maintaining a solid backline and helping the team keep clean sheets in key fixtures.
FAQ’s
When Does the Rangers 2023/24 Season Start?
The 2023/24 season for Rangers officially kicks off in August 2023. Rangers’ first match of the season is typically a Scottish Premiership fixture, where they face teams from across the league. The season opener will set the tone for the rest of the campaign, with fans hoping for a strong start.
How Many Matches Are in the Rangers 2023/24 Scottish Premiership Season?
Rangers will play 38 matches in the Scottish Premiership during the 2023/24 season. This includes 19 home games at Ibrox and 19 away matches. The season will be divided into two parts, with the first set of fixtures from August to December 2023, and the second half from January to May 2024. Each team in the Scottish Premiership plays every other team twice (home and away), resulting in 38 games in total.
To Conclude,
As the 2023/24 season unfolds, Rangers fans can expect an exciting and competitive year. The fixtures are packed with high-stakes games, from domestic league fixtures to international matches in the Europa League. While the Old Firm derbies will steal the spotlight, games against other Scottish clubs and European challengers are equally important. For Rangers to achieve their goals, they must continue to perform at their best throughout the season, and with their talented squad, there is every reason to believe that they can challenge for both domestic and European honors.
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