Philippe Clement now in 'Beale Zone' at Rangers as 'Crucial' Aberdeen prediction made

Michael Gannon believes Rangers' fixture against Aberdeen could be "crucial" for the future of Philippe Clement.

Despite an impressive performance midweek in the Europa League, pressure is still weighing down on Clement who will see the pressure cooker cranked up if his Rangers side fall any further behind Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

The Gers already find themselves nine points behind the Dons, albeit having played a game less, with a home clash against St Mirren to come on Sunday (27 October).

However, defeat against Aberdeen on Wednesday, 30 October could prove crucial to Clements's future, Gannon thinks, despite the 4-0 hammering of FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday.

In the print edition of Sunday Mail (27 October, pg 63), he wrote: "Philippe Clement might have bought a bit of respite in midweek but he remains right in the Ibrox danger zone. You might even call it the Beale Zone.

"This time last year former gaffer Michael was jottered after going seven points behind Celtic after seven games. The fact the axe fell after a doing from Aberdeen won't be lost on some fans who are seeing their patience melt.

"This Dons game in midweek looks crucial to Clement."

Rangers must win against Aberdeen

In a league that is so competitive at the top, Rangers have to pick up maximum points against the teams around them.

While a win against St Mirren would close the current gap to six points, a defeat against Aberdeen would again widen it to nine with the same games played.

A nine-point gap would be almost unsalvagable, especially with Celtic also above the Gers.

Since the departure of Steven Gerrard in 2021, Rangers are yet to win a title and their fortunes do not look like changing under Clement. Certainly not this season.

A win against Aberdeen would instil a lot more faith in their ability to achieve success this season but with the Dons yet to lose a league game, it will be a tough task.

Even yet, Clement could find himself out of a job before the Aberdeen encounter if his side are unable to overcome St Mirren at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Connor Barron believes Rangers’ performance against FCSB on Thursday (24 October) showed they have enough within their ranks to put up a title challenge this season.

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