A run of horrible opponents present chance for Rangers revival.

27 August 2011 15:51
Europe is now in the past - Rangers must now demonstrate their championship credentials. Aberdeen winning at Ibrox in a league match is bound to happen; perhaps some time this century: Perhaps even tomorrow. Should they return north tomorrow with three points Ally McCoist will find out what a crisis turns into when it takes a further dip south. We shouldn’t rule it out entirely – this will already be the fourth attempt to break our duck at home in this short-lived season – but nor is it as likely as some may be hoping, with Aberdeen hardly setting the footballing world alight and their away form demonstrating a lack of cutting-edge against better opposition. Rangers will welcome back Messrs Naismith and Whittaker, while waving goodbye for at least a fortnight to Lee Wallace. The appearance, at some point, of Alejandro Bedoya is likely to be one of the most interesting aspects for supporters keen to get a look at another of our new players. After the Aberdeen fixture come two important games in a short September of domestic football: away to Dundee United and the first Glasgow derby of the season, at Ibrox. After those we’ll have a better idea of the true position of the SPL. There is, of course, one other factor which may prove to be important this season when it comes to determining in which order the two Glasgow ‘Giants’ finish. Although it is clear at the moment that many Celtic fans would be embarrassed to be given a second chance in the Europa League, should they take the place of the sinful Sion we can expect a return to usual standards of gruesome Yahooery, even if the draw they face is unlikely to do a lot to encourage progress or that elusive away win. Faced with six extra games, and the likelihood of Thursday – Sunday fixtures, this undoubtedly presents Rangers with the opportunity to take advantage in the Scottish Premier League. The final days of the transfer window may yet see some action in both directions. Pessimists may declare their hope that nothing happens, allowing us to revisit the market in January when, hopefully, things look a little more rosy in the Auchenhowie garden. It’s clear to most observers that a striker is still a priority: the appearance and unfortunate impact of David Healy this Thursday will not have done much to persuade those who will panic should injuries ensure he must make a more significant contribution. The loss of any key men must surely be avoided but there remains a suspicion that one or two may be available if the money is right. Should the squad be weakened both Whyte and McCoist run the risk of supporter backlash and a difficult start to the season becoming a persistent slog but one encouraging aspect has been the decent impression made by the likes of Perry, McMillan and (when fit) Jamie Ness. Now is not the time to panic but a good result tomorrow and a splendid September will see the pressure currently shared by those in charge of the Glasgow two begin to cause great problems in the East. Are we up to it? Tomorrow will be the first test.  We couldn’t ask for a better way to turn this crisis into an opportunity.

Source: FOOTYMAD