Can Rangers close the gap over Celtic between now and late December?
Rangers fell short against Celtic in their first Old Firm derby of the season.
Playing away from home after a trip to Russia meant Rangers were always up against it, but they still managed to hold Celtic to just a 1-0 win.
Manager Steven Gerrard hopes for more success when Rangers take on Celtic at Ibrox in the next meeting between the clubs.
A win for Rangers over their rivals on home turf would be lauded as a game changing moment, and while it would lift a huge cloud from over the club, there is a danger it could be a totally hollow win.
The two teams next meet on December 29, a game which is a long way off.
Rangers need to ensure the gap between them and Celtic can be closed, rather than extended, so that the Old Firm game actually matters in terms of league position.
After four games played, Celtic have a four point gap over Rangers already.
If this remains the same in late December, then Gerrard and Rangers should be fairly satisfied as they will be very much in touch with their rivals heading into the Ibrox clash.
Sadly for Rangers, they way they have dropped points so far does not bode well, with just one win from four league matches.
If the gap between Rangers and Celtic is extended to double figures before December 29, then a lot less will be at stake.
A Rangers win at Ibrox would be billed as a game changer, but if all it does is close the gap from 13 points to 10, it will be a hollow win, one to savour in the moment and not indicative of the big picture.
Steven Gerrard must get his side focused on going on a winning run and developing a ruthless streak.
The Europa League has been a welcome sideshow, but it has distracted and even contributed to sloppy league form.
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