An now Tavernier is swinging in a dangerous cross, with Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek doing well to gather it in under pressure.

James Tavernier is involved again, this time running on to a loose ball near the edge of the penalty area, but the full-back blazes a first-time shot high and wide.

Here's a familiar sight as James Tavernier gallops forward for Rangers, the captain eating up ground down the right.

He slips a pass to Ianis Hagi, but the Romanian wants too much time on the ball and Livingston have the numbers in defence to snuff out the threat.

A minute's silence for former Rangers player Ally Dawson, a brief taking of the knee, and off we go.

Season 2021-22 is up and running...

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard tells Sky Sports: "We've set the players fresh targets, that comes down from board level.

"It's important we park last year up now. It was fantastic and goes down as history but it's about trying to build on it and find more success. That's what this club is all about.

On starting Jon McLaughlin in goals, he adds: "I have two top goalkeepers and have to keep them happy.

"Allan McGregor's age, on the back of certain things we've seen, we feel it's right we put Jon in today and Allan will start on Tuesday night (against Malmo).

"We trust them both as much as each other."

Here come Rangers, with Livingston forming a guard of honour for the champions... It's loud at Ibrox. Very loud.

Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportsound

Livingston manager David Martindale tells Sky Sports: "There's been a lot of change at the club this summer - we've had 17 players leave and 12 come in.

"I don't think we've ever been to Ibrox and picked up a point in the top flight.

"But we're here to try to get some points today. We're going to have a go."

Willie Miller
Former Scotland & Aberdeen defender

Champions: Rangers

Relegated: Ross County

Best signing: Scott Brown to Aberdeen

Player of the year: James Tavernier (Rangers)

One to watch: Jack Mackenzie (Aberdeen)

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportsound

Steven Thompson
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Rangers forward Ianis Hagi insists his side's status as champions doesn't bring an added burden.

"I don't think it's extra pressure, just different to what we were used to last season," the Romanian tells Sky Sports.

"But the goals are the same - we need to win every game and have hunger to win trophies.

"I want to have more numbers in my game. My assists were decent last season, I want more goals."

Leanne Crichton
Former Scotland international

Champions: Rangers

Relegated: Ross County

Best signing: Scott Brown to Aberdeen

Player of the year: Ryan Kent (Rangers)

One to watch: Liel Abada (Celtic)

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has had a nice relaxing summer, basking in last season's title success and tinkering only slightly with his pool of players.

Zambia forward Fashion Sakala and former Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram have been recruited, while there have been no departures of note.

"The squad is really strong as it stands," Gerrard said yesterday. "If there's not a need to add to it, I won't do it, but it's something we'll consider in the coming weeks and see how we start the season and the qualifiers."

Livingston manager David Martindale has been a busy man over the summer, bringing in 12 signings.

Andrew Shinnie sticks out on that long list of new boys and he can add some guile to the midfield. He will be familiar with his surroundings today, having started his career at Rangers.

Bruce Anderson will be expected to add goals to a side that has failed to score in each of their last six league matches against Rangers (D1 L5).

Image source, SNS

Nobody managed to beat Rangers in the league last season, while Steven Gerrard's side won every home game.

The Ibrox side have won eight of their last nine league meetings with Livingston (D1) since losing 1-0 in West Lothian in September 2018.

Rangers are kicking off a season as defending Scottish champions for the first time since 2011-12, so the mood will be good for the 23,000 balloted season ticket holders in attendance at Ibrox today.

The traditional unfurling of the champions' flag will wait for another day, however, as the club want a full house for that occasion.

There were small crowds for pre-season games against Arsenal, Brighton and Real Madrid, but this will be the first time fans have been inside Ibrox for a competitive match since March 2020.

Image source, SNS

Striker Fashion Sakala makes his competitive debut for Rangers, while there are rare starts for goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin and left-back Calvin Bassey.

Adam Lewis, Ayo Obileye and Bruce Anderson make their league bows for Livingston. Captain Marvin Bartley misses out through suspension.

Rangers: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey, Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Hagi, Kent, Sakala.

Substitutes: McGregor, Lundstram, Itten, Simpson, Patterson, Wright, Roofe.

Livingston: Stryjek, Lewis, Fitzwater, Obileye, McMillan, Holt, Sibbald, Pittman, Penrice, Forrest, Anderson.

Substitutes: Barden, Devlin, Kelly, Montano, Kabia, Reilly, Hamilton.