Obviously the crucial importance of the next two fixtures cannot be overstated. We will get to Celtic at the weekend in due course, but right now, Rangers v St Mirren offers a massive challenge.
They obviously fell at Parkhead last weekend, barely, and it shows how much stronger Craig McLeish’s side are right now.
Rangers v St Mirren
Forget the League Cup result at Ibrox, the league is the one that matters. And Rangers v St Mirren is massive.
And on that level they’ve started outstandingly this campaign, only sustaining that first league defeat in Glasgow’s east.
Derek McInnes, on the other hand, has gained a bit of momentum of late and anything less than a win on Wednesday gives not only St Mirren a 3-point lead from ourselves, but could hugely benefit imperious Celtic who have only conceded 3 goals to their scored 12.
As such, as if it’s ever been any other way, Wednesday is critical must-win.
McInnes started the season badly, a draw and a loss. But has made up major ground the past 3.
The momentum cannot be lost.
We have of course lost Lawrence Shankland possibly for the rest of the calendar year, but you don’t spend an initial £9.5M on a striker for him to be average. Kevin Kelsy, the stage is yours.
And Rangers will need our new Venezuelan to hit the ground running, unlike that early miss at the weekend.
Consequently, Rangers v St Mirren is on Del now.
He has to find the right team and subs that will win Rangers this one. St Mirren will be far from the easy prey they were in the cup.
They are at Ibrox to try and get the win. To bounce back from Celtic.
And Rangers must deliver the opposite – a home win, keeping the run going, and not losing any ground at this point.
Those lost 5 points in the opening matches are the difference. But for Rangers v St Mirren victory is vital.
St Mirren a challenge
Rangers have a chance to not only stop that widening, but to reduce it. But for now, Del must take the Buddies out first.