Scottish Premiership 2026/27: Rangers desperate to overhaul Celtic in the title race | OneFootball

Rangers are set to embark on what they hope will become an exciting new era under manager Derek McInnes.

The 55-year-old came close to guiding Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title last season, but they fell agonisingly short on the final day.

Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Hearts ensured they claimed top spot for the fifth consecutive season and left McInnes wondering what might have been.

After taking charge at Rangers this summer, McInnes is desperate to knock their Glasgow rivals off their perch. Read on as we assess their chances this season.

Scottish Premiership 2026/27 – Rangers fixtures

McInnes keen for Rangers to topple Celtic this season

The heartbreak of missing out on the title with Hearts undoubtedly left a mark on McInnes. He now has the chance to set the record straight with Rangers.

The Edinburgh-based club’s shrewd transfer strategy helped them mount a sustained title challenge last season, but they ultimately came up short.

McInnes is hoping that Rangers’ greater financial muscle will help them win the Scottish Premiership title for the first time since 2021.

“It’s important that we get off to a good start,” McInnes said. “We’ve not had that for a few seasons at Rangers, particularly that opening game.

“I do think trying to build confidence, build a bit of momentum, belief [is important] – the fans are desperate to get behind something.

“We’ve got to earn that trust with performances we can eke out. If the team can get confidence as we go along, then I don’t see why we can’t have that ambition to go and win a title this season.”

Rangers have shown plenty of ambition during the summer transfer window, signing eight new players including Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin from Hearts.

Shankland’s fiery personality could be crucial this season. He took Hearts’ failure to win the title badly and will want to make a big statement this season.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd believes the striker could be the ideal man to replace James Tavernier as the club’s captain.

“I wouldn’t rule Lawrence Shankland out being the Rangers captain,” Boyd said. “I know it’s a big job – it comes with the pressure, but he’s done it at Hearts.

“He’s led by example. He knows the pressure he’s under. And by the way, it’s a good thing.

“I’ve done it myself. You pull on that jersey, and you know you have to go and score goals to lead your team to a title.

“Shankland must be buzzing right now. He’s got his dream move – he’s got the opportunity to go and score goals that could potentially take Rangers back to the top of Scottish football.”

Defending champions Celtic will be a tough nut to crack, particularly after splashing the cash to sign two proven strikers this summer.

Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have joined the Hoops, bringing Champions League pedigree to a team that lacked attacking thrust last term.

Celtic have been linked with several other players and look set to have a much stronger squad than the one that won the title last season.

Hearts will also hope to be in contention, despite losing McInnes and several key players this summer. It would be foolish to write them off.

However, McInnes is confident that Rangers can enjoy a successful season, particularly if they can fill a couple of holes in his squad.

“Every team and every manager is still looking for some key additions,” McInnes said.

“I’m glad the pre-season friendlies are over with. Friendlies are friendlies for a reason, and the first game against Dundee United on Friday is the important one.

“We’ve got to be as ready as we can be. Physically, I think we are. As a squad, we’ve still got a wee bit of work to do.

“We’ve got good options in certain areas of the pitch. We’re a wee bit light defensively, and we’ve got good numbers centrally.

“We’ve got good options at centre forward, but I do think that’s an area we can improve on.”