As the SPFL begins to take shape, the focus has switched to the top players in the current Rangers setup who could push them past their rivals and to domestic glory. While whispers of Lawrence Shankland persist, Gers fans will be happy that the deal to sign Mohamed Diomande is over the line. Either way, the big names in the squad will have to step up and find consistency if they’re going to pip Celtic to the title, as they currently sit as favorites with the sportsbooks. Scottish Premier League betting markets are dominated by Glasgow and Scotland’s two biggest clubs – and if you think the Gers could make a strong push in the second half of the season, the current Betfred sign-up bonus should give you plenty to explore.

Finding The Back Of The Net

Following the comprehensive victory against Hibernian, there were some bright sparks – especially moving forward. Cyriel Dessers, the perennially enigma who occasionally looks like the Brazilian Ronaldo and then goes missing for an hour, must be more consistent. His delightful finish against Hibernian highlighted precisely what he is capable of, but he must step up in light of Abdallah Sima’s potentially season-ending injury.

Lawrence Shankland could fill this void, given his excellent strike rate for Hearts, but given that this deal isn’t over the line, Dessers will be critical in the second half of the season. Fabio Silva had an explosive start to his career, but having failed to meet the grade in the English Premier League, he’s hoping for a second chance with the Gers, and you’d think a combination of him and Todd Cantwell finding the right balance could result in a solid, potent attacking unit that can make teams pay.

You don’t see James Tavernier’s sensational strike rate from right-back in many other top European leagues. Still, if he can continue chipping in at the rate he has been, and if the others can fill the Sima-shaped hole up top, this could be the edge, especially heading toward the final couple of months of the league campaign.

Moments Of Magic – The Players Who Could Step Up

Now that the Gers are missing some of their big stars this season, some fringe players might have to step up and prove their worth. With four home games coming up, including a cup game against Ayr, Philippe Clement’s men will want to use this as a push to gather momentum. Tavernier and Dessers are two players you’d think could do something sensational, one through sheer consistency and the other through magic moments – but the Belgian has it in his locker to do it more often.

After passing the Hibs test with flying colours, plenty of players are capable of magic in the current setup. Cantwell, Ridvan, and Dessers should be the ones who can step up to the plate, and after all three of them put in a shift at Easter Road, you’d expect them to crack on and play a seminal role in the upcoming fixtures – especially at Ibrox with the home support behind them.

Ultimately, it’s just as essential to avoid more injuries and ensure the players stepping up to these positions can work cohesively. It’s more about the team than individual players. Still, if the players we have discussed today take their foot off the accelerator and start to slide in form again, it could become a turbulent and costly period that ends up deciding the fate of this season.