Cast your mind back to the winter of 2021 when Rangers were flying at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Gers also qualified for the knockout stage of the Europa League whilst Celtic were seriously struggling for results and couldn’t cope with injuries.
COVID-19 was still around and despite no other country in Europe making any changes to their schedule, the SPFL decided to bring the winter break forward – right before a crucial Old Firm derby.
On the other side of the break, Rangers saw a congested fixture list contribute to their own injury problems as Celtic added fresh legs and more quality. A new-look team swept aside Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men and the rest is history.
Philippe Clement and his squad now have the chance to do something similar.
How Rangers can play Celtic at their own game
Beset by injuries, Clement is working miracles to get results out of a team that is seeing a new academy player added to the bench every week.
The winter break might not be getting brought forward. But the two rearranged games against Ross County and Hibernian respectively means there could be new faces and more depth available by the time they come around.
Tom Lawrence, Danilo, Nicolas Raskin, Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ben Davies, Connor Goldson and Kemar Roofe are all on the injury list. However, most of these players should be back in the new year.
Not having to resort to playing Leon King and Dujon Sterling as a midfield pairing will only increase our chances of success – not that the young duo have put a foot wrong so far.
In a tight title race, Rangers need to make a statement in January similar to the one that Celtic made in 2022. And signing a player like Fabio Silva is a start.
The players Celtic signed proved to be the difference that season as Rangers ran out of legs and ideas, especially in the final third. Get the window right and Rangers fans could be in for a treat. Get it wrong and we could be in for a repeat.
Losing a league title when it is in your own hands is always a bitter pill to swallow.
