The Old Firm isn’t what it used to be. Once it was Celtic and Rangers battling it out for every trophy available, with the blue half of Glasgow putting up a serious fight to the green half. In recent seasons, Rangers have been in Celtic’s shadow, with The Bhoys picking up trophy after trophy after trophy while their rivals have languished well below them.
Rangers couldn’t even finish second place last year. This is position that would be unthinkable just a few short seasons ago, but it is a clear and distinct reality now. It’s unfortunate to see such a great club fall so far from grace, but they will be hoping that they can challenge and be back among the winners this year.
Rangers’ form
The Glasgow club finished third last season, but that doesn’t necessarily tell the full story. They were behind Aberdeen in second place – a club they would traditionally rule over. Not only were they behind Aberdeen, they were 11 whole points behind them. Rangers fanbase would be much greater and they really should be ruling the roost there.
Then there’s the Celtic situation. Traditionally, these two clubs are massive rivals. Every season when the fixtures are released, it’s this one that football fans highlight. Yet, Rangers couldn’t finish any closer than 39 points below their traditional rivals. That’s just not good enough against a side they were hoping to overtake. This year will have to be better, because loyal Rangers’ fans just won’t stand for another season like the last.
News
Daniel Candeias has come in from Benfica, while Graham Dorrans joins from Norwich City. These are two quality players that will had plenty of knowhow into this Rangers’ side. Unfortunately for The Blues, they have lost the experienced Clint Hill and the excellent Barrie McKay. They have also released former Arsenal defender Phillipe Senderos. If they are going to compete with Celtic, they will have to add a few more players by the end of the transfer market because we are unsure that this squad has what it takes to close such a large gap.
They were knocked out of European competition by Luxembourg minnows Progress Niederkorn and that will leave a sour taste in fan’s mouths. Club legend Kenny Miller has put out a call on all players to give a little more and they will certainly have to or it could be a very long season for Rangers.
Betting tips
They are priced as second favourites to take the title, but to back them would take a serious leap of faith. Nonetheless, if you are a blind optimist you can back them at 12/1 with Ladbrokes to win the league.
We think this would be close to burning your money. A far superior bet would be for you to back Rangers to win the league without Celtic – that is a bet for them to have the highest points total if Celtic is not included.
We have no doubt that The Bhoys will win another title, so this seems like the most sensible option to us and it can be backed at a price of 5/6 with Bet364. It is a far more realistic scenario and the odds are decent too.