Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership title defence on Saturday as they take on Livingston at Ibrox, and Steven Gerrard should unleash Fashion Sakala from the start.

Why should Sakala start vs Livingston?

Despite the 41-year-old having a plethora of attacking options available in his squad, Alfredo Morelos hasn't featured for Gerrard's side during pre-season games against Arsenal, Brighton and Real Madrid. Kemar Roofe has also missed the last two games, which suggests that the manager could turn to his new signing to start up front against David Martindale's side.

Sakala was signed from Belgian Pro League club KV Oostende earlier in the summer transfer window and has made a big impression in his first month at Ibrox, scoring on his first appearance for the Gers in the win against Real Madrid recently.

The Zambian forward raced past the final Real Madrid defender before emphatically finishing past Andriy Lunin to equalise, which will undoubtedly give him plenty of confidence ahead of his first season as a Rangers player.

A Gerrard favourite?

Gerrard has clearly appreciated the work that Sakala has put in during pre-season as he sang the 24-year-old's praises recently, saying: "There's still loads to come in terms of fitness, in terms of getting him up to speed, in terms of the information we are giving him.

"But one thing I will say is that he's come in with an incredible attitude. He's been an absolute role model to everyone.

"He's come here with energy, he's been bright, wanting to learn and pick up every bit of information. He's smiling, he's enjoying it and he's grateful to be here.

"He's been an absolute pleasure to work with, but there's loads more to come. You can see he's exciting."

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Morelos is currently in self-isolation following his return from Colombia and is extremely unlikely to feature, while Sakala should get the nod over Roofe in terms of match fitness, so it would not be a surprise to see the Zambian start up front against Livingston this weekend.

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