With goals being conceded left, right, and centre, what Rangers could do with is a confidence boosting trip to the north-east to face Aberdeen.
They maybe didn’t put up the title fight or split the Old Firm as they had been posturing to do in August, however, they remain the toughest test outside of the Edinburgh duo.
Barry Ferguson will want to leave his post as Rangers manager at the end of the season with his head held high, and a win over Aberdeen would certainly help to lift spirits.
The behind the scenes talks between the staff and Rangers squad might be confidential, but there will be an indication on the park as to whether or not anyone has really paid attention.
These are three things to look out for as Rangers look to turn things around domestically and give fans a bit of hope going into what could be a busy summer.
Three things to look out for in Rangers vs Aberdeen
Ferguson has said changes will be made, and this could be anything from personnel, to formation, to game plan.
In fairness, all three need attention after the defeat to Hibs and the lack of control from Rangers in recent SPFL fixtures.
They weren’t really needed against Athletic Club, but they are in the bread and water of the Scottish Premiership.
Are Rangers still doing plan A?
When things haven’t gone well for the last few managers, and in Ferguson’s two domestic defeats, everything has been too predictable.
There have been too many side to side passes and Rangers attempting to play centrally where there is no space.
Wingers cutting inside instead of attacking the by-line and getting behind opposition defences and more of the same against Aberdeen will result in the same outcome.
Is there a change of shape in midfield?
On three occasions this season opposition players have openly spoken on podcasts or in post-match press conferences about attacking Rangers full-backs and the space behind them.
Having attacking full-backs isn’t the issue, it is the fact that provisions haven’t been put in place to cover them.
Nicolas Raskin can’t do it all on his own.
Under Steven Gerrard, it was one thing that Rangers got right with players like Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara covering on the flanks when James Tavernier or Borna Barisic went on an adventure.
The midfield only needs a subtle tweak to nullify counter attacks before they can cause problems.
Is Rangers defence doing the basics right?
There have been plenty of individual mistakes getting made that have led to goals, but a lot of them come from panic, indecision or not doing the basics.
When Rangers turnover possession, they instinctively do the right thing and run back towards their own goal and get behind the ball.
However, what they don’t do, is pay attention to the threats.
As Alan Hansen used to say, ‘a space has never scored a goal’, and Rangers defenders are bad for ball watching, rather than picking up the nearest runner or attacker in space.
Filip Helander used to be a natural at this, which is why he got more blocks and interceptions than any defender we have seen in recent years.
Positional sense can be taught, if the players are willing to listen and stay composed.
