Glasgow, Scotland (My Sportsbook) - For the first time in three years, Rangers will enter the season as defending champions, and they will open defense of their title on Saturday at the Ibrox Stadium against Falkirk.

Manager Walter Smith will be looking to become the first Rangers manager since Dick Advocaat to retain the title, and he will be expecting nothing less than three points on Saturday against Falkirk, a team that avoided relegation on the final day of the season last year.

Gers have also won the last nine games against their opponents on Saturday, making the debut of new Falkirk manager Eddie May likely to be a tough one.

All eyes will be on striker Kris Boyd, who led the league in goals last season with 27 in 35 league appearances.

Boyd is entering the final year of his contract, but after a preseason that saw the frontman fail to find the back of the net, he is only focused on getting his season off to a flying start.

"Every striker wants to score goals," Boyd said. "Then again, I don't think you can read too much into the fact I didn't get any in preseason because I probably didn't get as much game time as I'd have liked.

"Before the league begins, everyone needs to get minutes under their belts so I understand why I've not always been involved.

"If this is my goal drought for the season I'll be happy with that. I'm looking forward to Saturday and I'm hopeful of making my mark."

There are a number of Rangers players who will not be making their mark on Saturday due to suspension or injury.

Nacho Novo is likely out for a month after dislocating his shoulder in training, while Pedro Mendes has also been ruled out because of a thigh problem.

Kyle Lafferty will be suspended for the first three games of the season, and he will be joined on the sidelines by Sasa Papac, who is also banned.

However, Boyd will have help in the form of Kenny Miller, who contributed 10 goals in 30 appearances last season.

There is no doubt that Celtic will once again be the chief title challenger for Rangers, but they will be entering the new campaign with a new man in charge, former West Bromwich manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray will be charged with bringing the title back to Parkhead, and he will be facing off on Saturday with Mark McGhee, who left Motherwell to take charge at Aberdeen.

Hearts finished a distant third last season and they will open their campaign against Dundee United on Monday, while promoted St Johnstone hosts Motherwell, Kilmarnock entertains Hamilton and St Mirren travels to Hibernian.