*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The Scottish Premiership is interesting. That’s not me trying to pitch a marketing slogan to the decision-makers in Scottish football, it’s an honest appraisal of the fact we could have a genuine title race again.
Prior to last year, nine points separated the top two. Now, with one team winning the title and the other getting to a Europa League final, it does feel like two squads that are ready to go head-to-head.
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Losing Stevie G felt like the end of the world last November, but the introduction of Big Gio van Bronckhorst has stabilised a club in dire need of it – and Rangers should feel good about where they are now.
Saying bye to Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey stings for Rangers, but they’ve restocked in the left back area thanks to recruiting Ben Davies and Ridvan Yilmaz and appear to be focused on loading up on attacking talent thereafter. So is this going to be a different approach this year to catch Celtic? It very well might be, once they can feel comfortable. Oh, and Livingston are also a football club. To the Bet Builder!
*A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Saturday 12pm: Livingston v Rangers
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
Rangers to Win
Coincidentally enough, Rangers opened up last season against Livingston, too. That game ended 3-0, and they recorded three wins from three against them with relative comfort.
So, why would that change this year? Well, it wouldn’t. The plusses of being acclimatised to Giovanni’s ways certainly outweigh the slight turnover in playing staff, so they should be fine out of the blocks.
In the first 33 games of the season, Livingston lost more home games than they won – with their approach meaning they’re slightly better-suited to playing away from home. I would expect this trend to continue in 2022/23 as Rangers kick off with a Win.
Over 3.5 Goals
Like I told you – a new Rangers. There’s not the fail-safe holding midfielder at the club anymore that can defend the breaks if they lose the ball high up the pitch, so I believe they’ll be more focused on outscoring teams domestically to try and filter through that identity in Europe.
It’s worth noting that Rangers’ top scorer in the league last year netted just 11 goals. That’s maybe a tad concerning, but in the search for a 20-goal striker, they may have just reinforced their depth further. Rabbi Matondo is a shrewd piece of business, but he is complemented by the additions of Tom Lawrence, Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman. Over 3.5 Goals is next up.
Both Teams to Score
But those increased numbers in attacking areas mean that without a clear six to cover advancing full backs, I expect Rangers’ defensive record to worsen considerably.
That could be something they come to terms with as the season progresses, but early doors, there’s a clear path for Livingston to exploit and for Both Teams To Score.
Bruce Anderson to Score Anytime
I did think Bruce Anderson would be at a slightly bigger club by this stage, since his end-of-season form was eye-catching.
Anderson scored just twice in the opening couple of months of the season, but from Week 10 until the end of the season, he netted nine times from week ten onwards.
If Rangers have a soft underbelly, his runs off the shoulder will exploit the space. Bruce Anderson to Score Anytime seals the deal.
Livingston v Rangers tips
Rangers to Win
Over 3.5 Goals
Both Teams To Score
Bruce Anderson to Score Anytime
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