It’s not quite returning to the scene of the crime, however Rangers second game against Aberdeen feels as pivotal as many feel the first one should have been.
Philippe Clement hung onto his job as manager but the squad that is on display at Ibrox will have an entirely different look to it, not the pressure on the Belgian has subsided in any way.
After a flying start, Jimmy Thelin is also feeling the heat, although his recent arrival in the north gives him considerably more time as he fights through a winless streak reaching into double figures.
Aberdeen on what they need to improve ahead of Rangers game
Speaking ahead of Rangers hotly anticipated clash with Aberdeen, Thelin explained what he needs to see his side progress:
“Another part in building a stronger team is through training, reported the Press and Journal.
“To get the best out of the players we already have, like Ante’s (Palaversa) progress.
“One part is to bring up the intensity in training sessions and also inside the games.
“We still have a journey to do that.
“If we can cope with this and do it, we will be better as a team.
“That is what we are going to push for as we want to play with more intensity.”
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 22 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 61 | 8 | 53 | 59 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 41 | 18 | 23 | 44 |
| 3 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 23 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 37 |
| 4 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 32 | 30 | 2 | 35 |
| 5 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 28 | 37 | -9 | 31 |
| 6 |  HibernianHibernian | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 34 | 36 | -2 | 29 |
Can Aberdeen challenge the top two in the Scottish Premiership?
Only a matter of weeks ago, there were questions about Aberdeen’s ability to challenge Celtic at the top of the table and usurp Rangers in second place.
With four points out of a possible 33, there is now nine points between the two sides which shows how bad Rangers start to the season was and how inconsistent they still are.
The difference between the two sides is that Clement has overseen an impressive home record that is a match for Celtic’s as well as an outstanding record in the Europa League too.
Aberdeen might have been busy in the transfer market, but the last couple of months highlights just how big the gap between the Old Firm and the rest really is.
