A competitive ball hasn’t even been kicked yet and Michael Beale is having his new look Rangers side being written off.
Celtic’s recruitment has continued to look like Brendan Rodgers’ predecessor is in charge but the new manager is making changes in terms of style of play.
Meanwhile, a slow pre-season has seen Michael Beale questioned and Rangers, as laughed off by Kenny Miller on Clyde Superscoreboard, tipped to go backwards.
As always, every Celtic fan’s favourite subject on the phone-ins is Rangers so it was no surprise to see one on the new format of CSSB claiming that the league will be won at a canter and by 12-15 points.
Miller, on hearing the prediction, couldn’t help himself and could be seen reacting in the way that such a claim deserved.
Michael Beale has return Rangers to winning ways
Unfortunatley, they have the right to be smug,
Rangers have won just two trophies since coming back to the top flight in 2016 and have a cup record that Michael Beale has to sort out this season.
Tactical errors in the league cup final and picking personnel who weren’t interested in the Scottish Cup semi-final blew any chances of a quick impact.
The gap, in the last two league campaigns has been small despite Rangers playing so poorly though.
One Old Firm win in 2021/22 and two in 2022/23 were the difference and, with an improved squad, you would like to think that this gap will be closed.
Michael Beale has a lot of work to do at Rangers but he is facing a Celtic team that won’t be able to sustain such high levels forever.
A quick start to a favourable fixture list and some early pressure could be the difference.
