Can Philippe Clement Revive Rangers’ Scottish Premiership Title Hopes? | OneFootball

Rangers last won the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21, and it’s been three years since then. They have been finishing second place below Celtic. The 2024–25 Scottish Premiership season is the fourth season in which they are still in second place. With 19 matches played, they are 11 behind a-previously unbeaten Celtic side that has established dominance at the top.

Under Philippe Clement’s guidance, the Rangers face the challenge of reigniting their title ambitions while contending with inconsistency and an increasingly impatient fanbase. Fans who still believe in Rangers’ potential and wish to place their confidence on the line can explore the UK’s most popular free bets offers for added engagement this season.

Current Standings and Recent Performances

Rangers have shown a mix of promising moments and concerning setbacks this season. A 6-0 victory against Kilmarnock on December 4 demonstrated their attacking potential. However, subsequent matches exposed vulnerabilities. A 2-1 defeat to St Mirren was their first league loss to that opponent since 2011. A 2-2 draw with Motherwell further highlighted their defensive frailties as the team had to recover from a two-goal deficit.

🔗 Instagram

Celtic, by contrast, remained undefeated in the league till Jan 2nd. Their most recent performance, a 3-0 loss at Ibrox showed they can be beaten though.

Challenges in the Old Firm Rivalry

The fierce rivalry between Rangers and Celtic has shaped much of this season’s narrative. Rangers’ most recent league encounter with Celtic ended in a 3-0 win this season, which showed the narrowing difference between the two sides. Another key clash came in the League Cup final, where Celtic triumphed after a thrilling 3-3 draw and penalties. Despite the loss, Rangers’ spirited performance earned praise from former players and analysts, who noted significant improvement compared to earlier derbies.

Philippe Clement has now claimed victory over Celtic since joining Rangers. The recent derby offered a chance to close the points gap and signal a resurgence. However, the task was to be challenging given Celtic’s impressive form and the growing expectations on Clement to deliver results.

Rangers supporters have expressed frustration with the team’s inconsistent performances. The draw with Motherwell was met with boos from the stands, reflecting the high expectations of the club’s fanbase. Captain James Tavernier acknowledged the discontent, stating that recent results made fans’ reactions understandable.

Clement has also faced criticism for his rotation policy, with questions about its impact on critical matches. While he has emphasized the need to manage player fitness across the season, some decisions have been questioned, particularly when key players were rested in crucial games.

A Crucial Derby for Redemption

The January 2 derby against Celtic was a key moment for Rangers. A victory could boost their title challenge and reinvigorate confidence within the squad and among fans. Currently, the odds for Rangers to overcome Celtic and win the title are +400.

Clement’s vision for Rangers has shown potential, particularly in cup competitions, where the team has delivered spirited performances. Rangers have strong attackers in Vaclav Cerny, and Hamza Igamane, who all played well in the December UEL clash against Spurs and can challenge Celtic.

Final Words

The rest of the season presents both challenges and opportunities for Rangers. While the gap to Celtic is considerable, the team still has a chance to mount a comeback if it can address its inconsistencies and capitalize on key fixtures.

The coming weeks will play a decisive role in shaping Rangers’ season. Whether they can rise to the occasion and renew their title ambitions remains uncertain, but the upcoming derby will undoubtedly be a critical turning point.