Season 2023/24 is finally upon us and after a summer of rebuilding and reinvesting, it’s time for Rangers to perform.

When you’re signing what is, in effect, nearly a totally new starting 11 from last January it will take time for performances to peak. Results, however, cannot wait. For so many reasons this season starts with success a must and second-place not an option. Such is life at Ibrox.

Our writers have taken a look at some of the big questions approaching this campaign.

What are the realistic targets for the season ahead?

Wrestling back control of the league title must be the objective. Rangers have spent well and afforded Michael Beale a summer pre-season to embed ideas and bring in players to his liking. They’re clearly planning for the future with Beale at the helm and on the basis of last season, there’s room for optimism. Beale’s Rangers have a definable on-pitch identity, took care of run-of-the-mill domestic matches and when beaten on the big stage, could often point to a lack of options at the top end of the park. Reaching the Champions League is an important first step but beyond that, this season is all about reasserting the domestic dominance that’s been lost these past two seasons.

Joshua Barrie

Put simply, the main objective is to win the league. Michael Beale oversaw an upturn in results after replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst but, ultimately, that will be deemed irrelevant if Rangers don’t lift the Scottish Premiership trophy in May. The two domestic cup competitions are important, but winning the league title supersedes both of them put together. Rangers also need to perform better on the European stage this season and navigating past Servette will be so important given the financial windfall on offer.

Euan Robertson 

Player of the season?

Sam Lammers has been the signing that’s most excited this writer at first watch and if pre-season signs are anything to go by, Beale’s acquired a player with real technical quality who can thrive in the free No.10 role his system plays with. An honourable mention for Jack Butland who should provide a difference-maker in goals and offer this side real stability in an area thats lacked it since 2021.

Joshua Barrie

Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian has the highest ceiling of any player at the club and he has the ability to develop into a top midfielder. While he impressed last season, Raskin needs to dictate games this season from his deep-lying role and he will be crucial to Rangers dominating opponents domestically. Sam Lammers also deserves a mention as he’s been the shining light in pre-season and he possesses the technical ability to become a star.

Euan Robertson 

Top scorer of the season?

It’s difficult to see past Danilo because he, in theory, offers Rangers a profile they’ve long lacked being a pure No.9 who can contribute in various phases of play but thrives in the penalty box. With a strong goal per 90 record in the Eredevise and his best years ahead of him, pressure will be on the Brazilian to offer a consistent goalthreat across various levels of competition that the club simply have not possessed for too many years.

Joshua Barrie

Danilo. Rangers have paid a hefty fee to acquire the Brazilian’s services and he will be expected to repay that investment with goals. A front three of Lammers, Dessers and Danilo is quite an exciting prospect but the latter will be tasked with scoring the majority of the goals. 20 goals in the league should be the target for both players and Danilo is more than capable of hitting that if he avoids injury.

Euan Robertson 

READ MORE: Meet Danilo, Rangers' new arrival according to his ex-manager

What about the big tactical questions?

Rangers have spent their pre-season trialing different off-ball shapes with European qualifiers in mind. The style of game they’ll play tomorrow will be totally different. Expect a continuation of fluid football in the final third, full-backs providing with, narrow pressing and an emphasis on building relationships. What will be new? Perhaps a little more variety across the board. Very quickly after arriving Beale’s recipe for domestic football afforded a greater level of control, chances and defensive stability than the side he inherited.

Joshua Barrie

We’ve reported constantly this summer about Beale’s preference to sign hybrid players this summer. The advantage of recruiting versatile players is that it will allow Rangers the option to adjust their shape during games and also on a week-to-week. Beale’s tactical flexibility has been in pre-season and I don’t expect Rangers to line up in the same shape every week. In terms of the biggest tactical question? I’ll be interested to see how Rangers play in Europe compared to domestically as I envisage noticeable differences.

Euan Robertson 

Which summer signing will have the biggest impact?

Having already used the Lammers card let’s talk again about Butland. If he plays to expectation, reaching his peak years and clearly possessing the ability, Butland could earn serious points over the course of the season. The 30-year-old’s already looked able with his feet and quick off his line. Beale will hope he’s secured a keeper to dominate the penalty box in every sense.

Joshua Barrie

It’s difficult to look beyond Lammers but Butland has the potential to make a huge impact on the team. Allan McGregor was a remarkable servant for Rangers and his name will forever be etched in the history books, but last season felt like one too far. Butland has impressed in pre-season - on and off the pitch - and he will take on a leadership role within the dressing room.

Euan Robertson 

Underrated signing of the summer?

Abdallah Sima is my pick. He’s not the most technically clean and it could take time for the on-loan attacker to adapt to the game state faced of low block after low block. With that said, Sima’s movement in the box, especially from the right, could prove effective over the course of a campaign and his long, rangy high-speed running is well timed. The 22-year-old provides Beale with a different profile of forward.

Joshua Barrie

Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell. Sterling’s arrival has been billed as a back-up to James Tavernier, and while right-back is his strongest position, he can perform a number of roles. Those who’ve worked with him speak glowingly about the former Chelsea kid and he’s joined Rangers to play football. Dowell’s arrival has slipped under the radar but he’s impressed in pre-season and will compete for a starting berth in midfield.

Euan Robertson 

Breakthrough player?

It’s difficult to see past Bailey Rice. Aged 16 he’s in a perfect spot because there’s no rush on him solidifying a place in the team but simultaneously, no doubt that he’ll bridge the gap when that time comes. When Rice spoke to the Rangers Review last season it was clear that this was a youngster with a mature head and tecnhincally, there’s no doubting his ability.

Joshua Barrie

Bailey Rice. It’s difficult to believe that he’s only 16 years old when you watch him play, as he displays a maturity beyond his age. Technically he’s so composed and he possesses an excellent passing range, while always looking to play the penetrative pass. Zak Lovelace needs a big season to show that he’s ready to bridge the gap to first-team football.

Euan Robertson 

Players with the most to prove?

John Lundstram is entering the final year of his contract but there’s nothing to suggest an exit is on the cards at present. Lundstram has the ability to stand out in certain matches, the European run of 2021/22 proved that but the issue is, football fans have short memories and his most recent campaign underwhelmed.

Joshua Barrie

Ridvan Yilmaz received praise for his performances towards the end of last season but he needs to show that he can do it when the pressure is on. He’s not impressed in pre-season and there’s legitimate concerns over his physicality. Yilmaz, however, deserves a run in the side to show that he can repay Rangers’ investment in him.

Euan Robertson 

If there was one position you'd still strengthen in the transfer market, what is it?

It would have to be the left side of the defence. Rangers have numbers at centre-back but perhaps still lack a sufficient depth of quality and availability. Acquiring a mobile, versatile and dominant player in this position feels a necessity approaching the season.

Joshua Barrie

Left centre-back. Souttar and Goldson naturally prefer to play on the right-side and there’s question marks over Ben Davies, although I don’t expect him to leave this summer. Rangers will ideally sign a left-footed defender who can play at centre-back and left-back.

Euan Robertson