Rangers: McInnes begins a new chapter and reshapes the squad

Rangers endured a disappointing campaign last season, not only missing out on the Scottish Premiership title but also dropping outside the top two for the first time since 2018. The club responded by appointing Derek McInnes, a manager who came close to guiding Hearts to a remarkable achievement last term.

McInnes has wasted no time putting his own stamp on the team, bringing in players he already knows well. Cameron Devlin and Lawrence Shankland have arrived from Hearts, with the Scotland striker making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Saint-Étienne.

West Ham: encouraging flashes, but consistency remains a concern

West Ham are preparing for life back in the Championship after their Premier League relegation, with the immediate objective of securing a quick return to the top flight. The Hammers have seen several departures this summer, while the money generated from player sales has allowed them to begin rebuilding the squad.

Their preseason form has been difficult to assess. West Ham produced an impressive 5-0 victory over Stevenage, showcasing their attacking quality, but that result came after a frustrating draw against fifth-tier side Southend United. The contrast highlights that maintaining a consistent level of performance remains one of the team’s biggest challenges.

Match facts and head-to-head

Rangers secured a 2-1 win over Saint-Étienne in their latest friendly.

Lawrence Shankland scored on his first appearance for Rangers.

West Ham defeated Stevenage 5-0 after previously being held by Southend United.

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