Something is changing at Rangers. For the majority of the last decade, there’s been instability. Ibrox hasn’t been home to a blueprint, nor has it seemed like there’s ever been a firm plan in place to tackle Celtic and return themselves to the top table, that, for as long as I’ve been alive, has a maximum capacity of two.
But there’s something in the way Steven Gerrard conducts himself that lends to optimism. It does feel like he understands the magnitude of this job, and despite the attraction of jumping ship to a mid-to-lower-end Premier League club always existing on the periphery, it seems the former England midfielder has identified how big a club he’s in charge of.
Rangers have gone three-for-three so far, seeing them sit, at time of writing, five points clear of arch rivals Celtic – which should be enough fuel for anyone’s fire at the football club. But it’s not the points tally that impresses me; it’s the commitment to being better, performance-wise, than three wins out of three.
Steven Gerrard has graduated from the suspicions of a PR stunt to being a fully-fledged commitment and Rangers should reap the benefits of this mentality now.
Of course, he’s still very much aware that he’s spending his Sunday afternoon in f***ing Livingston, no matter how much he likes the gig. Here’s your three best bets!
Half-Time/Full-Time – Rangers
These aren’t generally bets that I enjoy because you’re effectively giving yourself 45 minutes worth of a punt rather than the full 90. However, given Steven Gerrard’s comments after his side’s last league win, I suspect there’s value in here.
We don’t need to look at a historical list of H2H results between these two to figure out Rangers have the advantage – it’s a moot point. What is exceptionally relevant here is the fact that Gerrard has chewed his side out of it for winning 3-0, and has demanded more consistency.
Rangers will be at it from the start against Livingston, and the resistance will likely be limited; for as much as we can praise Rangers for netting seven times in their opening three games, Livingston have also shipped that same total. This only goes one way. Rangers leading at Half Time and Full Time.
Alfredo Morelos to Score First
There’s rarely a time where I fully accept a player in the Scottish Premiership being considerably better than the division he’s in, but in Morelos’ case, when he’s not being sent off for being a lunatic, he’s unplayable.
He will be absolutely key to any potential title charge, and Livingston does seem like a fine spot to exhibit one’s talents on a Sunday does it not? Back Alfredo Morelos to Score First.
Over 2.5 Goals
I think this price is quite generous, given that I suspect Rangers will hit three by themselves. But Livingston are averaging a goal a game thus far, and Lyndon Dykes looks to be in fine form, goals aside – both of which have come from the penalty spot. QPR are reportedly interested in securing the services of the Australian, so this could well be a finale hoorah if he lands us the overs.
Our three best bets for Livingston vs Rangers on Sunday at 16:30
Half-Time/Full-Time – Rangers
Alfredo Morelos to Score First
Over 2.5 Goals
*The prices on our snazzy bet widgets are always bang up to date*
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