Dundee United vs Rangers LIVE as Gassama and Naderi make Derek McInnes first XI
Rangers are beginning a new era under Derek McInnes with a challenging Tayside opener against Dundee United. McInnes is looking to do what no other Light Blues boss has done since Giovanni van Bronckhorst four years ago - win their league opener. Jim Goodwin is out to stop him achieving that as the Tangerines look to get off to a flyer themselves after a disappointing bottom six finish last season.
McInnes has only had bounce games so far and Rangers are looking for more creativity after lacking a cutting edge up front. But the former Hearts boss vowed not to use that as an excuse. Derek McInnes will be on the touchline after appealing a four-game SFA ban for comments made at the end of last season when he was Hearts boss. Nick Walsh is the referee in the middle tonight, assisted by Calum Spence and Jonathan Bell with Peter Stuart as fourth official. Steven McLean is on VAR and will be assisted by Gary Hilland in the VAR room.
Dundee United are the first test for a Rangers side that has snapped up eight new faces so far this summer. A 6m goalkeeper will get the nod ahead of Liam Kelly as he succeeds Jack Butland as number one. Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey is expected to partner Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of the revamped backline. Dujon Sterling and Tuur Rommens are likely to start at full-back.
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. Thelo Aasgaard has cut his post-World Cup holiday short to push for a first-team spot this term, with Mohamed Diomande also available for selection.
Lawrence Shankland is set to lead the team out as captain. In the live action, Gassama has already made his mark, doing well to turn his man and winning a free-kick, while also winning the race on a loose ball heading back towards the United goal. Naderi has shown alertness, heading behind for a corner, and has also tested United goalkeeper Walton with a low shot.