Sky Sports pundit makes ‘Huge’ new Rangers prediction
Mark Wilson has predicted a “huge” month for Rangers with the League Cup final sandwiched between games against Real Betis and Celtic.
Philippe Clement joined the club in October and has since gone unbeaten with the Gers, claiming eight wins from his first 11 games in charge.
However, Wilson has warned about the difficulty that Rangers are about to face throughout the rest of December, highlighting the important fixtures in their path.
“It’s going to be huge,” Wilson said to Sky Sports on Thursday (7 December). “When you look at December, Celtic and Rangers have already played two fixtures.
“They both have several games to fit in before facing each other on 30 December. One of those is a European game, another is the League Cup final against Aberdeen.
“So, they have some huge games.
“Philippe Clement has negotiated his way through three competitions pretty well. Now, he has the opportunity to win his first piece of silverware, as well as progress in Europe.
“But he needs to negotiate the league games too. He’ll be under no illusions how important it is for Rangers to be in touch with Celtic come 30 December.
Keeping up with The Bhoys
Despite some frustrating draws, it has been a steady start to the season for Clement and Rangers.
Coming in and applying your style is difficult for any manager. But to still be able to progress in the Europa League, have a shot at a trophy already, and be within touching distance of Celtic in the league, all while joining the club two months ago, Clement has done a decent job.
It is always difficult to see your direct rivals eight points above you in the league table. But under Clement, there is more assuredness that the gap will begin to close and the performances will become littered with fewer errors.
The winter period will be a good test of Clement’s character and how he manages his players’ workload. Especially with tournaments to play, in addition to the league, it is almost impossible to expect 100 per cent energy every game.
But that’s football. Come to the Old Firm derby at the end of the month, we will know a lot more about Clement and his squad, the reality for the rest of the season, and what should be expected from them.
In other Rangers news, Neil Lennon has made a “massive” Gers claim with regards to their title battle with Celtic.