Rangers are facing a daunting challenge in December, with a “massive blow” to their fixture schedule as they take on Premier League high-flyers Tottenham Hotspur and arch-rivals Celtic within the space of just four days.
Former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough highlighted the tough task ahead on PLZ Soccer on 4 November, following Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Motherwell that secured their spot in the Old Firm League Cup final.
The double-header, scheduled for 12 and 15 December, presents a significant test for the Light Blues.
Rough believes that this intense fixture congestion would be a challenge for any team to navigate, especially one under pressure as Rangers are currently.
“Am I right in saying they play Tottenham three days before that cup final? That’s a massive blow to any team,”
Rough pointed out during the broadcast. The timing could not be worse for Rangers, who are fighting to regain momentum domestically while also contending with the physical and mental toll of European competition.
Adding to the concerns, Tam McManus, also speaking on PLZ Soccer, expressed doubts about Rangers’ chances in the upcoming final against their Glasgow rivals. He questioned whether the Gers’ supporters would be optimistic about facing Celtic, given the current form of both sides.
“They’ve got a massive test coming up in the final against a Celtic team that’s firing on all cylinders,” McManus observed.
“There’ll be a lot of Rangers supporters not looking forward to that final.”
Philippe Clement, the Rangers manager, is under immense pressure as he navigates this challenging period.
The Belgian narrowly escaped a potential dismissal with the semi-final victory, but the final against Celtic looms as an even bigger challenge.
Clement’s record in Glasgow derbies is troubling, having failed to secure a win against Brendan Rodgers in five attempts. With Celtic cruising past Aberdeen 6-0 in the other semi-final, expectations for Rangers’ chances on 15 December are understandably low.
Clement’s struggles extend beyond the derby, as he faces criticism for Rangers’ overall league position. They have fallen behind Celtic and are trailing the Dons, who sit nine points ahead in the Scottish Premiership.
A poor result in the League Cup final could amplify the growing calls for Clement’s departure, despite the apparent backing of the Rangers board.
Reports suggest that the club’s hierarchy is aiming for stability, hoping to avoid the cycle of managerial changes that has plagued recent seasons.
According to BBC Sport on 1 November, there is a desire to support Clement throughout this campaign and into the next, even in the face of recent setbacks.
The challenge of facing Tottenham in midweek only complicates matters. Spurs, under the guidance of former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, have been in strong form in the Premier League, and Postecoglou will relish the chance to get one over on Rangers once again.
While Rangers might not be expected to win against the London side, a heavy defeat would be demoralizing, particularly with the psychological shadow of their former rival in the opposite dugout.
A bruising encounter with Tottenham could leave Rangers in a difficult position just three days later when they take on Celtic at Hampden.
If the exertions of European competition weigh heavily on the squad, it could turn what should be a showcase occasion for the Light Blues into a grim affair.
Ultimately, Rangers have little choice but to approach these fixtures as opportunities to change the narrative around the club. They must seek to deliver performances that restore some pride and shift the momentum back in their favor.
However, with confidence among the fanbase at a low ebb, doubts remain over whether this squad is capable of rising to the challenge. A difficult December awaits, and the pressure on Clement and his team has never been higher.