Champions League rivals come through latest test with October Rangers trip looming large
10/06/2024 11:55 AM
Rangers fans are being made to wait for kick-off against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership this evening.
The clash between the Gers and the Perthshire club at Ibrox was originally moved from a Saturday kick-off after Rangers qualified for the Europa League.
With a combination of road closures, the Great Scottish Run and Premier Sports resulting in the game being rescheduled for an 8pm kick-off, the Ibrox support are left casting glances elsewhere until this evening.
But with fans slowly making their way to the ground, the Scottish Premiership's title race continues at pace with both Celtic and Aberdeen overcoming to make it seven wins out of seven.
With the pressure now on Rangers to cut the gap to five points against St Johnstone, Aberdeen in particular march on with the Dons' title mettle set to be tested in the weeks ahead.
Aberdeen and Celtic march on in Premiership
There would've been a brief moment when Rangers fans thought today might be the day that Celtic blink.
The Parkhead side hadn't conceded a goal up until Ronan Hale netted a retaken penalty to put Ross County ahead in Dingwall.
But the Staggies couldn't hold out and Celtic found two goals to turn the game around in the second half and maintain their perfect start.
Next up was Aberdeen, the Dons on a 12 game winning run in all competitions since Swedish coach Jimmy Thelin came in the door in the summer.
Hosting Hearts at Pittodrie, the early headlines were dominated by a tribute to controversial former Aberdeen player Neil Simpson on the anniversary of that vicious tackle on Ian Durrant.
If that couldn't ignite something of a rivalry between Rangers and Aberdeen this season, then the Dons' latest performance might.
A sell-out crowd saw Aberdeen overcome last season's third force Hearts in a 3-2 classic.
In a match that had everything – an early goal, both sides going ahead, an instant equaliser, a red card and a late winner – the Dons proved that they're at least very serious about finishing 3rd this season.
But with battles against both sides of the Old Firm on the horizon, just how serious Thelin's side are about finishing first is about to be tested.
Rangers trip to Aberdeen looms large
Aberdeen's first Scottish Premiership match after the international break is a trip to Celtic Park.
If the Dons are serious contenders, they will need to prove it at Parkhead but something tells us even Jimmy Thelin can't overcome Aberdeen's reluctance in the face of Celtic.
Whilst we'll be amazed to see the Dons put up a fight in Glasgow's eastend, they will have one eye on the visit of Rangers 11 days later.
In a match which is now looming large for a number of reasons, Rangers travel to Pittodrie for a midweek clash on the 30th of October.
Depending on how the next few weeks go, this could be a pivotal game in the Rangers career of Philippe Clement.
It could also be a pivotal game with regards the complexion of the season.
Whilst Aberdeen will be put to the test against Celtic next weekend, the Dons will also have their eye on a second place spot this season with Rangers the current occupiers.
Ibrox fans might harbour hopes of a title race – although doubts persist that their squad has it in them – but Aberdeen will happily split the Old Firm if they can't get over their mental block v Celtic.
With a Champions League qualification spot up for grabs, the Dons' form and Rangers' inconsistency is a growing cause for concern.
