Steven Gerrard’s Rangers must prove they can follow up European success with a domestic win.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers proved their quality and fighting spirit once again by battling to an impressive draw against Villarreal.
Rangers came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw, kicking off the Europa League group stages by earning a point.
Now their big challenge is to follow up their adventure in Spain with a win in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers’ last Europa League away tie was a similarly heroic draw against Russian side FC Ufa, achieved with nine men after two controversial red cards.
Days later Rangers suffered defeat to Celtic, a 1-0 away loss.
Rangers rebounded last weekend by thrashing Dundee 4-0.
This weekend they face St Johnstone, who also have eight points.
It is a big game, a home fixture Rangers cannot afford to lose, or they could fall 10 points behind leaders Hearts if they win again.
Normally Rangers will be strongly fancied to win.
Suddenly there is an additional question mark.
Are Rangers jaded? How will they recover from their Europa League efforts? Will St Johnstone’s extra few days of rest prove a key advantage?
Rangers need to win, to prove it to themselves, to erase any psychological doubts about being tired.
This is another hurdle for Gerrard’s Rangers to clear. Anything less than a win will be deemed a disappointment.
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