Albion face reigning Scottish champions Rangers this afternoon at Ibrox, as Graham Potter's team kick-off pre-season ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
You can watch the game live by clicking here, kick-off 5.30pm.
The history
Rangers secured a 55th top-tier league title last season – their first in a decade – finishing with a club record 102 points, going the entire league campaign undefeated. A powerhouse in Scottish football for over a century, Gers had a somewhat bumpy start to the 2010s as they were relegated to the third tier, but having lost their Premiership status in 2012, were back in the top-flight by 2016.
The manager
There was an element of risk that comes with all managerial appointments of first time bosses, but Steven Gerrard and Rangers have seemingly been the perfect match. Put in charge in 2018 after time working in the Liverpool academy, the Reds legend has cultivated a winning mentality at Ibrox, which came to fruition last season when Rangers won the Premiership title. Gerrard’s bosses will now be hoping a hugely decorated playing career on Merseyside can be matched by a silverware studded stint in management, as they now set their targets on a Champions League charge.
Key player
While we would love to show our Albion bias opinion and name former players Leon Balogun or Connor Goldson for this one, it would be a little unfair on captain James Tavernier. The right-back joined the club in 2015 when Rangers were looking to battle their way out of the Scottish Championship, which the 29-year-old helped his club win in his first season. Rangers’ squad has seen a transformation since the former Newcastle United man joined, but he has been a constant.
The ground
With a capacity just over the 50,000 mark, Ibrox has been Rangers; home since 1902, and as you would expect, has seen a huge amount of redevelopment since then. Notably the ground was near enough rebuilt and reopened in 1981 as an all-seater stadium, before being renovated again in 1997.
Watch the game?
Supporters can tune in for Saturday’s game by clicking here, with our hosts providing a stream on pay-per-view at £7.99.