Former Celtic manager makes big claim about Rangers bid for the Premiership title
Former Celtic manager John Barnes has admitted that this could finally be the year that Rangers land the premiership trophy after a drought of nine years.
Rangers have not won the trophy since 2011, but currently sit top of the table with a nine-point advantage over their Old Firm rivals.
Barnes said that Steven Gerrard’s side are in with as a good a chance as they have been in a while, but are not “overwhelming” favourites.
“It has taken a long time for Rangers to get back to where they want to, but they are finally looking like potential contenders,” he said.
“The fans have an expectation that makes it harder for the club as well as Celtic winning the league in nine consecutive seasons, but they look like they’re as close as ever this season.”
The former England international added: “At this moment in time, Rangers aren’t overwhelming favourites by any stretch, but they are playing well and have a great chance of winning the league. Celtic will win a few of the domestic trophies, but this could well be the first season in nine years that they don’t win the title.”
Rangers have certainly made an excellent start to the season, but there remain plenty of matches to be played this season.
Last season, the Gers downfall came after the New Year and Gerrard will be very keen to avoid a similar situation.
The lack of a winter break this season will increase the need for rotation and strength in depth and it certainly looks like Rangers have improved in that area.
In central midfield, in particular, the Gers have numerous excellent options to play at the base or in more attacking roles, while Gerrard has four strikers he can rotate.
The former England midfielder has already used 25 players this season in the league, which shows how aware he is of the need to manage the fitness of his players. However, there is a careful balance to find and he will be aware of giving key men the game time they need to stay sharp.
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