By Shantanu 
The 2023 season is a pivotal one for Rangers FC as they aim to reclaim their dominance in Scottish football and make a significant impact in European competitions. The team’s challenging fixture list includes a mix of high-stakes Scottish Premiership matches, thrilling Scottish Cup battles, and crucial Europa League encounters. As the season unfolds, fans can anticipate a series of key matchups against traditional rivals and formidable European opponents. With a talented squad and passionate fanbase behind them, Rangers are determined to deliver memorable performances and strive for success on both domestic and continental fronts.
Rangers’ Key Scottish Premiership Fixtures
Rangers’ 2023 Scottish Premiership campaign opened with a tough away game against Kilmarnock in early August, followed by a series of crucial games that will shape their path to competing for the title. Some highlights of the season include:
Old Firm Derby Matches – The season’s first clash against Celtic took place on September 3, when Rangers played at Ibrox, aiming for an early-season win over their rivals. Fans are already looking forward to the next derby on December 30, when Rangers face Celtic away at Celtic Park. The final Old Firm showdown at Ibrox is scheduled for April 6, 2024, and is anticipated to be a pivotal game in the title race.
Home and Away Challenges – Rangers will face some tough away games, including visits to Aberdeen on November 26 and Hearts on December 6. Home games at Ibrox, such as against Hibernian on March 30, 2024, are set to be high-stakes matchups as Rangers aim to maintain a strong home record.
Post-Split Matches – As is customary in the Scottish Premiership, the league will divide into two sections for the final stretch, with the top and bottom halves playing amongst themselves. These post-split matches, which start in late April, are expected to be decisive in Rangers’ quest for the title.
Europa League Journey and Cup Competitions
Rangers are competing in the UEFA Europa League for 2023-24, facing strong European clubs such as Sparta Prague, Aris Limassol, and Real Betis in the group stage. Key Europa League fixtures include:
November 9, 2023 – Rangers vs. Sparta Prague, an opportunity to secure crucial points at home.
December 14, 2023 – An away game against Real Betis, where Rangers hope to make a statement and advance to the knockout stages.
In addition, Rangers are also competing in the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, both of which provide additional silverware opportunities and are vital for maintaining momentum throughout the season.
Rangers’ Scottish Premiership Campaign: Key Matchups
The 2023 Scottish Premiership season is shaping up to be an intense journey for Rangers FC, with a mix of home and away fixtures that test their mettle against top-tier teams in Scotland. Highlighted matchups include their iconic clashes with Celtic in the Old Firm Derby and challenging away games that are pivotal for title ambitions. The squad is determined to maintain a strong performance across these games, aiming for victories to secure their standing in the league.
Rangers in Europa League 2023-24: Road to Knockouts
Rangers’ 2023-24 Europa League journey began with a series of challenging group-stage matches against competitive European teams, including Real Betis, Sparta Prague, and Aris Limassol. These games are critical for Rangers, as they seek to advance to the knockout stages. Key fixtures in the group stage include their upcoming games at home against Sparta Prague and away at Real Betis, which could determine their progression in the tournament. Strong performances in these matches will be essential for advancing Rangers’ European ambitions.
The 2023 Post-Split Scottish Premiership Games
As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, Rangers will enter the post-split phase in April, a unique format that divides the league into top and bottom halves for the final stretch of the season. This phase is particularly crucial for Rangers, as they will face off against the other top-five teams in a series of high-stakes matches that could ultimately decide the championship title. These final five games will be intense, with every point crucial. The atmosphere at Ibrox Stadium is expected to be electric, with the passionate Rangers fans creating a formidable home advantage. As the team fights for glory, these post-split fixtures will undoubtedly be a thrilling climax to the season.
FAQs
When is Rangers’ next home game against Celtic?
Rangers’ next home game against Celtic is scheduled for April 6, 2024, at Ibrox Stadium, marking a crucial point in their Scottish Premiership campaign.
How many games will Rangers play in the post-split phase?
During the post-split phase, Rangers will play five games against other top teams in the league, with the exact matchups depending on their standings at the time.
Where can I view Rangers’ complete 2023 fixture list?
Fans can view the full fixture list on the official Rangers website and check for updates on game timings and locations.
Will Rangers participate in both the Scottish Cup and League Cup?
Yes, in addition to their league and European matches, Rangers will compete in the Scottish Cup and League Cup, aiming to add domestic trophies to their season.
How are points and rankings determined in the post-split phase?
In the post-split phase, teams retain the points from their first 33 games and play additional matches only within their group, which can affect their final ranking and potential qualifications.
When is the next Old Firm Derby in the 2023 season?
The next Old Firm Derby is on December 30, 2023, with Rangers traveling to face Celtic at Celtic Park.
What are Rangers’ key Europa League fixtures for 2023?
Rangers will play Sparta Prague at Ibrox on November 9 and conclude the group stage against Real Betis on December 14, 2023.
How do the post-split fixtures work in the Scottish Premiership?
After each team has played 33 games, the league splits into two groups, with the top six teams playing against each other to determine the champion and European qualifications, and the bottom six teams competing to avoid relegation.
Are Rangers likely to make it to the Europa League knockout rounds?
Rangers are in a competitive group, but with strong performances in key home fixtures, they have a good chance to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages.
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