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McCann’s HT tactical analysis Was better than anything you will get on BBC, Sky or BT regarding Scottish football. Simply superb. That’s the kind of thing I want from the pre/ht/ft pundits. Explain to us mere mortals how the game was won and lost, how managers changed their tactics and changed the game, or got it wrong. Not just the headline grabbing bluster just to be controversial or try to get players (Rangers usually) into trouble. We don’t need to be told it’s a lovely move, we can see that. Tell us why it worked. Of course that would make 95% of pundits unemployed, and I’m ok with that.

In the weird and, not so wonderful, pandemic affected world we currently live in, it's not really a surprise that the start of the new Scottish Premiership season has been an equally strange one. With Aberdeen and Celtic players falling foul of restrictions placed upon them (eight at the Dons and two at Celtic), and subsequent postponements of their games, the league table already has a somewhat unfamiliar look after just three games (well three for those able to actually fulfil their fixtures). The good news for Rangers fans is that we top the table, and with good reason, after three solid (if unspectacular) wins in our first three games including seven goals for and zero conceded. That means that Hibs who also have a 100% record have to be content with second place. Meanwhile, six teams in the bottom half of the table haven't had good starts, including our opponents this Sunday, Livingston who have taken just one point from their opening three games whilst looking uncharacteristically vulnerable at the back, even at home where Hibs hammered them 4-1 last Saturday. On paper then, this represents another good opportunity for Steven Gerrard's men to extend our winning run and apply more pressure to Celtic who won't be playing again this weekend. Of course it won't be a case of simply turning up to secure the points. The Tony Macaroni Arena with it's dreadful artificial surface has rarely been a stadium we look comfortable in. Yes, we beat Livi in all four games we played against them last season but we didn't open the scoring until the second half in each of our home league matches whilst both games we played in West Lothian (one in the league, one in the cup) were tense and tight affairs. We can expect more of the same on Sunday. Team-wise I don't see many changes from Gerrard's preferred XI so far this season. Allan McGregor continues to have an apparently generic niggle so will likely not be risked on a plastic pitch for now and, after coming off with a knock against St Johnstone on Wednesday, Leon Balogun is awaiting scan results on a quad muscle problem that will keep him out for the short term. In saying that Filip Helander didn't look overly comfortable on the plastic last season and is also coming back after a long spell injured so the left side of central defence is uncertain at the time of writing. The manager would do well to consider this fully given Lyndon Dykes (oft linked with our club over the last year) usually plays well against us and will have an extra point to prove after being overlooked in the transfer market it seems. Livi's new signing Alan Forrest (younger brother of James) has also scored against us twice in the past so we will need to be attentive at the back against any counter. The rest of the team should pick itself. Many fans remain unconvinced with our balance in midfield via the continued selection of both Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack who some see as too similar. However, playing both does allow the manager to be more flexible with his attacking choices with the deeper midfielders able to pivot to allow our full backs to provide a high width. Moreover, Joe Aribo can play deeper if required in a more orthodox midfield three or form part of an attacking three behind the striker. Indeed, Aribo has arguably been our more consistent player this summer, not just contributing outstanding skill but creating chances and scoring himself. Our other attacking midfield options are rather impressive with Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi showing glimpses of what they can do in most games whilst Kent has also scored two important goals already this season. And, with Barker, Jones and Murphy in reserve, we should be able to unlock most domestic teams. It goes without saying that scoring goals will be vital if we're to be successful this season. Our defence again looks pretty strong this year after matching Celtic's goals against column in 2019/20. However, our main issue was turning our dominance in possession and territory into goals. With that in mind, it wasn't a surprise to see us bulk up in attack - both with respect to squad depth and in the literal physical sense. The additions of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten bring strength, hard-work and an aerial dimension which we've not always had in recent years. No-one can deny the continued importance of Morelos (who, it seems, will remain first choice as long as he remains focused as our player) but having other strikers ready and able to share the scoring burden - not forgetting Jermain Defoe either - is a necessity over what is hopefully going to be a long, busy campaign. In conclusion, it can be argued that last season wasn't a complete write-off for our club. Yes, we didn't win any trophies but a dominant cup final appearance and our impressive efforts in Europe and Parkhead showed we are capable. However, the fact remains there was nothing tangible for our efforts and our downturn in form after the winter break and our inability to put stuffy sides to the sword were of a concern as we entered 2020/21. Thus far at least we've demonstrated we can break down defensive blocks in our three wins through early August and this challenge will continue in Livingston on Sunday, with an added physical element from the likes of Dykes, Bartley and Ambrose. Such a test is nothing new though so the manager and players need to take another opportunity to show our early league position is something we intend to keep right through to next May. Dropping points on Sunday may not end any title challenge but taking all three with goals to spare will demonstrate we believe we can be successful and continue to reaffirm the kind of winning mentality and habit expected at Rangers. Not to mention apply just a bit more pressure to those teams behind us who are not playing and have also already dropped points. Let's take the early initiative and really push on... Possible team (4-2-3-1):

I still think Ibrox being empty helps against the small teams but would be a lost advantage in bigger games. And is a major lost advantage for our opponents away from home. Some of our players don’t cope well with the sighs, moans, groans and worse when they are struggling to break down a low block and making mistakes.

Gary Holt is a trained professional soldier. His conditioning was provided by a much under valued area of military endeavour. A product of the Army Catering Corps depot at Aldershot, that flaming urns cap badge and regimental motto, 'we sustain'. They are instructed in producing culinary triumphs such as : Pilchard Pizza, All In Stew, and Turkey Curry; whilst replete in a battle bowler. Vicious bastards, the lot of them. If you meet one, put two rapid into him, you won't regret it. In my time, those Army Catering Corps types attached to the Parachute Regiment, all arrived with appropriate nicknames, 'Socks Simpson', 'Boots Hughes', Clattie Shaw', and 'Wullie the Heid'. Such monikers filled you with confidence in terms of food preparation.

Having watched the game on RTV last night, although the tempo dropped in the last half hour and the play became sloppy, I most certainly cannot lay the blame on the 4 players introduced at that stage. Arfield and Davis, in particular ,were neat and tidy in possession. Itten was lively enough and could have been awarded a penalty. Roofe is clearly way short of match fitness, but he has good feet and will clearly be an asset to our type of play. He was almost wiped out by their CB with a horrendous challenge but dusted himself down and got on with it. I saw no attitudinal problems at all. All 4 will play their part during a long season.

Doffed my cap to Michael Beale there - loved it !

Completely agree. Isnt physical enough to be a CB and isnt technical enough to hold down a DM position. Best he goes and either bulks up or improves his technical game elsewhere. Doesnt matter that hes one of our own... if he isnt good enough he needs to go and get game time and improve himself.

The seriousness of the Aberdeen players actions is far less than that of Bolingoli

Is it wise to risk Helander on that pitch after he has just returned from injury? maybe Edmundson should start?

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Agreed. But footballers are also mere humans and sometimes it takes a little arse-kicking/encouragement to get the best out of any team.

Bring it on! We have let that pitch and the likes of Holt get to us far too much in recent seasons. If we play anywhere near our potential we will win this game, comfortably

I'm expecting a tough match but we need to be winning these games to put pressure on the vermin. If Aribo, Kent and Hagi can turn it on and we maintain a quick passing tempo for spells, we should win fairly comfortably.

Bavaria Munchen giving the Catalan club a right pasting here. They look the likely winners of the CL, in my opinion.

They didnt breach the city's lockdown rules but they broke the bubble rule did they not ?

They are ultimately responsible for their players actions and, unless they didnt inform them of the guidance, they failed in their responsibility.

We played Aberdeen on August the 1st the city went I to lockdown on the 5th I dont see a case to answer.

I personally have zero issue with it - i much prefer honesty, which is in part why I thoroughly enjoy listening to Gerrard's pre and post match pressers. Some will slate Holt for being honest (slating the style of play he will deploy more than anything) but then also ridicule McInnes for saying that they want to take the game to Rangers or can compete for second place.... Sounds contrarian to me

Thought we were only 8 years old ?

Just as well Coke Zero aplenty in the house... next time maybe.... What is the family if you dont mind me asking - small community and everyone knows everyone else - I might know them.... You really should have bud - the ONLY financially feasible way of visiting Bermuda is to stay with family..... £500 a night in a hotel, £9 for a pint and £5 for a loaf isnt easy to stomach

Depends. Is the particular foot injury he had really more likely to recur on a plastic pitch? The medical team will have to make a call on that.

Aberdeen have done nothing wrong how many players of other clubs went for a pint after their game .

John Swinney had been Scots Chancellor for almost a decade, his Budgets mostly denuded the Education Department of sufficient funds, it's where he found savings for political vanity. When Nicola became First Minister, it was perceived as a Karma thing, Swinney being transferred from Finance to Education. His consistent trimming of the Education budget had created a situation whereby almost 50% of Scots pupils aged ten years were deemed to be both innumerate and illiterate(by Scots Government testing); he created the situation, he should sort it out. The recent crisis reference Highers being awarded by the SQA, has proven John Swinney to be a Grade A(Prelim award) Daftie. Appeals are manifesting like confetti, u-turns occur in dizzy continuity, and the vote of no confidence would be deemed an appropriate ending of ongoing misery, if Nicola would allow Swinney to slip away. He could join Derek MacKay in a Brigadoon care home. Step forward Hollicom, an organisation most adept in dealing with situations where logic does NOT apply. Hollicom has steadfastly provided the defence for Neil Doncaster, Shifty McGifty, and Rod ra Fraud, ensuring the triumphalist triumvirate continue to denude Scottish football of circa £800,000 per annum. Hollicom's solution to the exam crisis is to advise the SQA in setting a question that defies logic and determines the result of every appeal. It's what used to be named as a 'Problem'. Those submitting an appeal are to be asked the following : Eight Aberdeen players flagrantly breach Covid 19 regulations. Further, a Sellik player travels to Spain, returns and does not disclose his trip to avoid quarantine. Thus Bolingoli is declared eligible to play. What happens next? a. The Compliance Officer, Clare White cites Alfredo Morelos and offers a two match suspension. b. Nicola attends Leigh Griffiths' girlfriend's next birthday party in Bothwell. c. Heart of Midlothian are ordered to stop training. d. BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin walks barefoot to Thorntonhall to blow Peter's cheese. Candidates are reminded no extra marks are awarded for showing workings. Gersnetters are reminded, this is NOT a satirical piss-take.

Surely our players want to win a trophy, so hardly any arse kicking should be required. Livvy have a tiny fraction of our budget. Anyone expecting their manager to line them up to play silky football against us is off their head. All Holt is doing is being honest. I can't get my head around a) Anyone caring what the Livvy manager says or B) Expecting opposition teams to be nice to us (on the pitch).

FFS. We are Rangers Football Club. A 150 year old sporting institution that has built its success on power, skill, hard work and determination. Let the opposition say what they want. Just go out and be better than them in ALL departments. End of

It would be a diet coke for me mate - 9 years now without s drink (lifestyle choice, long story). My cousins family live in Bermuda, always meant to visit when I was living in Toronto but never got round to it!

If I was still back home you could have nipped into my house in West Calder for a pre-game beer Cammy.... alas, I came back to Bermuda on Monday

I know Gary - we played in the same youth team at Killie Boys Club - what was surprising to me was that Gary was maybe the 5th best player in the team, but the only one to make it pro. The biggest difference between he and the rest of us was his desire to make it - he wasnt letting anything stand in his way. Ruthless would be a word I would use. His Livvy team plays with the same work ethos as Gary brought to the pitch himself - had a great engine on him even back then, played right midfield for us. Good lad is Gary

Might have a drive up to Livi on Sunday as you can see into the ground from the road above the ground ?

A 'Manager'? Talks more like a 'Cornerman'. Does he know, or can he reasonably guess, how many free hits on our players his charges will get from the officials?

The Hertz is no longer on-side, on-message, and is out of the gang. It's the mentality of the schoolyard, but, incredibly, involves real adults and real money. I wonder how long it will take its Board to realise this. So far, it seems to me that the "model club" has failed to learn from experience.

Kamara was good in the first 20 mins when the rest were awful. That was vital to us getting a win. Barasic contributed a lot but was actually poor for long spells.

The two RTV broadcasts have shown SKY, BT and BBC how it should be done and how easily it can be done. All it requires is people who actually know what they are talking about and who can articulate this to the viewers. No agendas (hidden or otherwise), just pundits and presenters that know what they are doing. Would be interesting to see RTV viewing figures compared to SKY, BT coverage of our games.

For once I sympathise with Hearts in this situation as they say they have returned to training, and other normal working,and removed any Government(UK not kid on SNP)assistance. In doing so they will now incur extra financial burdens which is extremely unfair. It seems the SPFL/SFA cabal are compounding the penalty given re the court action and will probably keep doing so in the future.

Hearts and their fans can GTF. I've given up on Rangers trying to fight the SFA/SPFL, so it's all about the football now. Win on the pitch.

I was tempted to vote for Jack or Kamara and it wouldn’t have been a slip of the finger if I had. For some reason you’ve made it clear time and again you don’t like Jack but why make a point of bad mouthing him instead of just praising someone else?

You must just need something to moan about. I don't think any of the four displayed a poor attitude.

Are people expecting opposition teams to treat us with kid gloves? That would be a change from the last 150 years, I suppose.

I hope the referee is paying attention to this.