Jimmy Boyle admits Rangers are favourites to win the SPFL League One title – but would love Airdrieonians to upset the odds. 

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There is plenty of interest in this season's third tier due to the presence of the Ibrox giants.

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The Diamonds face Rangers for the first time on Friday, August 23, in what is sure to be a fantastic occasion at New Broomfield.

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And although Boyle wants his side to push as high up the table as possible, he knows Ally McCoist's squad is the strongest in the division.

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He said: "It's going to be an incredibly competitive division.

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"You just need to look at Forfar Athletic beating Rangers and Stranraer's opening two results to see this.

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"But once they [Rangers] get the players they've signed this summer in the team, they will push on and I think the rest of us will be looking at the play-offs.

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"We will certainly have a go and see where it takes us but the financial resources they've got have allowed them to bring in a lot of quality.

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"I'm sure they may bring in more quality when we get to January.

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"I'll be surprised if they don't win the league – but let's hope there is a surprise and we finish above them."