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It's been a long, hard six months for Rangers players. Yes, they might not work the kind of gruelling shifts many of our fans do and they all earn a lot more than most of us can even dream about but the best part of 40 games in less than six months is still a big physical and mental test. After Saturday's game we will have played 38 matches - the same as our whole domestic league season. That cannot be downplayed. With that in mind, our lack of form recently is best explained by that incredible schedule of matches. Some players are clearly tired and we've lost several important players to injury as well. Meanwhile, if we look poor tactically that can be explained by a lack of training time - especially during the last month. This isn't excuse making as some of our poor play is far from acceptable but a pragmatic examination of the facts. The Hibs draw was a good example of this. Fans, myself included, were understandably disappointed as we lost another late goal to drop two crucial points. After a fairly decent first half, we didn't do as well after the break. In the opening period, we played with pace, tempo and quality and didn't allow Hibs into the game at all - although Allan McGregor did have two good saves on the stroke of half-time. The second half was different. Due to injuries we couldn't maintain the same tempo and certainly not the high press we had used to good effect. The defence sat too deep and the gaps between them, the midfield and Morelos became too big. We lost possession cheaply and couldn't support the Colombian. As such, Hibs came into the game both in terms of possession and territory. Yet until their late equaliser, they didn't really threaten whilst we, again, should have scored at least once more to make the points safe. Although the fans didn't enjoy our containment game, it was generally working and our counter-attacking should have yielded another goal. Instead, it was Hibs that took the sole chance they created and again we were left ruing what could and should have been. Unfortunately for some, I don't see us being tactically any different against Celtic. Although the quality in the Scottish Premiership seems to have improved this season (and the table does suggest that) our budget is second only to Celtic so, busy schedule or not, we should be more consistent in terms of performances and results. Yes, we absolutely should expect Rangers teams to dominate against (most) teams at Ibrox but we should be sensible enough to acknowledge other factors can affect the way we play and the outcome. To that end, although our Europa League adventure has now ended we're still paying for that run and the winter break can't come quickly enough. As such, while we're hoping for a high tempo again tomorrow and wish to take the game to our opponents, it simply won't happen for the whole match - even if we're playing well. Celtic will have periods of the ball, will create chances and will push us back. Both the players and the fans have to accept that and deal with it. Most importantly, if we're to play on the counter then we must take any chances that come our way at any point of the game. In terms of the team, further knocks and niggles from the last few weeks may effect the manager's selection again tomorrow but I am hopeful one or two key players can make it. For example, I think Scott Arfield may just start the game and his attacking play would be vital in a team that's struggled to make their scoring chances count of late. Other than that it will be a case of seeing who is fittest, who is most confident and who wants to stand up and be counted for the manager. For all the disappointment of the other night, he will have been pleased with the efforts of Ryan Jack and Ross McCrorie in the middle of the park and they will be important again tomorrow. Meanwhile, Joe Worrall and Andy Halliday did very well in defence for the vast majority of the game against Hibs so we need not risk the likes of Wallace or McAuley. I also don't expect a change of formation. Many fans are frustrated with the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 we tend to use but the majority of the time it does work - especially against more expansive opposition - so it would be a surprise to see us change tomorrow. Once again, arguably the biggest decision for the manager will be who to play in the attacking roles. Lafferty played wide left in the game at Celtic Park but didn't do much in an attacking sense. Interestingly Candeias didn't start that game and we seemed to miss his work-rate on the right flank. Will the likes of Kent be a surprise inclusion or should we persevere with the dangerous - though very raw - Glenn Middleton? No matter the team, getting a result against Celtic is a big ask. The remain clear favourites for the SPFL title and, despite some struggles this season, remain a dangerous side full of attacking threat. As such, we'll need to work very hard throughout the team and we simply must take any chances we can create. As fans, we'll also need to be patient, support the side throughout and help the players through this final hurdle ahead of a well deserved few weeks rest and recuperation. The last six years have been extremely difficult for us all. We're all absolutely desperate to bring back success to the club and often I think that desperation means we can be unreasonable in our expectations. This season has seen us progress and some poor results shouldn't mask that. On the other hand, it would be daft to ignore the issues that persist so the management team has much work to do as we enter 2019. However, we are getting there and we just have to appreciate our return to the top won't happen overnight. If we can add a few new players and some extra much needed quality then we should be even happier by the end of the season. In the here and now though, a win on Saturday against our oldest rivals would be one large step forward and a huge boost to morale and belief. Here's to one more push before a well earned rest for us all. Let's hope 2019 is a prosperous one! Possible team (4-2-3-1):

The thing we’ve got to remember is that when Shinnie plays against us, he often looks better as he has free reign to foul, mouth off at the referee and generally be a nuisance. As soon as he puts on our strip, his game will be significantly neutered by the different rules he shall be refereed to.

Shinnie is a decent player but not any better than what we have.

Pedestrianism? Bambi on ice? It certainly wasnt goals and the others would protect the defence as much. He wasnt awful i will give him that but loans remain largely a waste.

We should be trying to copy everything the Red Bull clubs have done in terms of overall club management. From top to bottom they look like fantastic football clubs now.

I never look forward to these matches but I can't ever remember dreading one this much. If our players could at least show a bit of fight, for once, I'll be pleasantly surprised (I won't hold my breath). I suspect we'll surprise them with an unusual 4-3-3 formation and sit off them, letting them have the ball in their own half, to start off with. They'll score after about 20 minutes and then run all over us for the remainder of the match and we'll have to rely on McGregor to repeatedly save us from another embarrassment. Prove me wrong, Rangers.

Football boils down to finding ways to win matches and/or finding ways not to lose matches. There is a great deal more involved than just formations. Teams that tend to win matches consistently enough to win league championships tend to have a solid base from which to work. That base is an infrastructure, also a financial and managerial ability to put together a squad with enough depth and quality from which to take on a season (lack of depth/quality is what is very apparent this month). It's as plain as the nose on your face that we haven't yet got that base. Neither is it really a secret because we are rebuilding and looking to improve much of the club. #Patience&Realism If we don't employ some patience, then my guess is we'll continually struggle to get to where want to go up until the point of severe financial problems.

To only concede 7 goals at the half way point is unfortunately impressive. I really didnt want to see Liverpool win the title again in my lifetime but it looks like this is their year. In saying that Klopp hasnt won anything and does lose a lot of finals therefore a City comeback could still be on the cards. The game next week is massive. And if Arsenal could turn up at Anfield tomorrow night and get something then that would be a boost. But Arsenal are about 5 players short at the moment.

Nice one, I might try and get to Ibrox if I can get off work early and have a look around the stadium. I'm less worried about the rags at the moment and more worried about Liverpool. Their fans have become unbearable down here just because they reached a CL final! I hate to see them if they actually win something! Thanks for your help!

My first OF was 86 and the 4-4 game when it was pissing down all day. It’s a flashbulb memory for us all; we’ll remember our first OF match as if it was last week.

If you want to stay West (ie nearer the airport), get the tube to Cessnock and the boozers near there are all good Rangers pubs (The District and The Grapes are recommended). City have always been my preferred English side but that's because my first match was Carlisle Utd vs City in 1983 (I loved City's red and black away strip). Hope you find somewhere suitable and best of luck making sure the Rags remain also-rans. ?

Nice one, I'll have a look around the centre. We've still got similar songs "We never win at home and we never win away! We lost last week and we lost today. We don't give a f*ck cause we're all pissed up! MCFC-OK" I remember someone in the Kippax always took a banner with him that had a City badge in one corner and a Ranger badge in the other, and always wondered if he just supported both teams or there was some link.

I'm not convinced this is what happened. Gerrard clearly wasn't happy with Ejaria on a few occasions recently so I wonder if this is the manager coming up with a more publicly acceptable reason for him going. Afterall, Liverpool wouldn't want their player being chastised in public. This way it just looks like he couldn't settle and preserves his value. I don't buy that though. Usually if something doesn't make sense, it's not true. The boy had a one year loan deal. He could even have just stayed until the January window to avoid any issue, so to leave just before some major games and just two weeks before the end of the year is more than a little suspicious. This is where we needed Miller in the dressing room so that we could read the real story in the Record.

year after year we continually overlook our own youth players bringing in mediocrity in their place. our own players could have done as much as Kent coulibaly and co, and it would have cost us any money either.

Always Remembered https://rangers.co.uk/news/club/always-remembered-4/

The link/page has disappeared from twitter, lifted this from FF Reply from Police Scotland to queries put to them. Thank you for your email. The points you ask to be clarified are highlighted below.• Who sanctioned the “Lap of honour” and what prior consultation if any was had with Police or stadium security given the specific plan to hold the Rangers support back? Answer: There was no prior consultation with Police re the lap of honour. The Match commander was unaware that this would be taking place. The Match commander is unaware if the Celtic FC Safety team were aware either but that would be for them to respond to. • What was Celtic FC’s Head of Safety Security & Operations Ronnie Hawthorn’s role in this debacle? Why did he not ensure the Celtic players left the field in a timely manner given the Rangers support were being held back? Answer: This is for Celtic Fc to answer and the match commander cannot answer for Mr Hawthorn on his position on this. You may wish to add your comments to the email address listed below for the independent review that has been commissioned by Celtic FC• Where was the match commander during this and why did he allow this to unfold? Answer: The match commander was at all times positioned within the control room. The management of the Celtic team is the responsibility of the Club.• What communication was there between all concerned security parties and the Celtic Park control room during this incident (as this happened directly in front of the control room) Answer: There were ongoing discussions throughout between the match commander and the Safety Officer. This included requests to have the music turned off and the end of match celebrations concluded as quickly as possible. • I would also like the actions of the Celtic players and specifically Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths in front of the Rangers support, to be reviewed by video and considered under the context of the “Public Order Act 1986” Part 1 section 4 ‘Fear or provocation of violence’ given the violence that occurred as a result and the risk to my and others safety directly due to their actions. If these actions were conducted by any other individual I believe this would be the standard of scrutiny. Answer: With regards your concerns of the after match actions of the players any incidents pre and post-match will be subject of review and appropriate action taken where required.

They will be to busy searching us. The Scot squad are an incompetent shambles.

Look, Hibs humped them 2 0 the same Hibs we have played twice since and never looked like losing to. The sheep took three off them the other day, the same sheep that have got lucky everytime we have played them this season scoring all but the only chance they have made. Can we win tomorrow? Of course we can but we need certain players to step up and be counted. Tav and Candy need to find form as both have been off the boil as late. Middleton needs to improve and bring confidence with his A game. If Arfield is fit it will give us the midfield attacking drive we have been missing as late, if not fit then i would play a back to front game missing out the midfield as much possible which would mean lumping the ball and scraping it out in their half as much as possible. So can we win? Fucking right we can, mon the teddy bears let get stuck right into them from first to last.

Let's hope police Scotland search everyone of them before they let them in to the stadium .

Feck me I love these matches...there is absolutely nothing to fear and we are due a win. Call me spoilt from the 90s. Good preview Frankie...interesting Lafferty on the left though.....

Roger that mate...will do.

It is vitally important that our support don't adopt the 'beat before we start' mindset. That's the yahoos domain. They are past masters at going on to the pitch beat before the game starts - the nineties were a perfect example of this. We have seen what effect a quiet crowd (not expecting to do anything) can have with being detrimental to a performance this season in the game v Spartak at Ibrox. If we as a crowd turn up and are overly edgy, it'll transmit on to the park. Yes, we don't have a great team in terms of quality, but we can still roar the team on and help them overachieve. Can we try and stay positive? If we suffer a reverse, hopefully Gerrard hasn't been culpable and the upshot is that the board realise that they are going to have to find more money to afford a better standard of player. Otherwise, all they are doing is delaying the inevitable. And that doesn't bear thinking about.

Agreed. Losing the late goal to Hibs wasn’t a coincidence or just bad luck. It’s the 4th time we’ve conceded late on at a stage in the game when we’re hanging on and started to give the ball back to the opposition rather than trying to hold onto it. I’m conscious we pulled it off a few times, Ufa one example, but there was a reason we all saw that equaliser coming even though they’d created next to nothing the whole game.

This is exactly my point! We are asking Mackeleles to be Lampards rather than adapting to the selection crisis and that’s why our attacks keep breaking down. Re your 4-4-2 q, not at all. As I said in another post I’m advocating 4-4-2 with the available players. I’ve also advocated using it when 4-5-1 fails, aka plan b. I’m all for buying the flair players necessary to make 4-5-1/4-3-3 work but as I said at the close of the last transfer window, attacking midfield is the one area Celtic are far superior to us.

I understand that feeling and have felt it several times in recent years. However, there's no reason, no reason at all why the team posted above can't get something out of this game. At some point we have to start believing in ourselves again or just become perennial losers.

'What if's' are worth nothing but there are solid reasons as to why we drop points and more importantly, why they continue to happen too many times for it to be down to X or Y excuse. Bigger picture Things aren't that bad, if you employ realism regards timescales/budgets/starting points, etc.

That’s my reading Buster. Gerard talks about the big picture and I think the underlying issues are still there. We know where we need to get too but perhaps the early success especially in Europe has created a false expectation when considered with financial reality and the style we need long term. We have played 12 more games than Aberdeen and 14 more than Killie for example and we are only in December. Saturday will be our 9th game in December. It’s pretty obvious the energy levels are low. I’d take a draw against Celtic right now and recoup.

Ill be doing it shortly mate as per the schedule on page one... Feel free to pick one up after the year!

Socks Gaffer, socks, that's what you get for Christmas at my age, socks and heartburn. I'm disappointed, if not entirely surprised, that this level of in-depth, high quality, valuable analysis hasn't found an audience on here yet. I'm going to send it to Swiss Ramble on Twitter and see if we can become mates. For me I think it proves, as Livingston top the table, that crime clearly does pay. That's an important lesson for all of us particularly at this time of year.

Once a game starts most formations to a point go out the window cross when they the white line the players should know what to do close down the opposition force their attackers wide it's a simple game made difficult with some of these tactical managers .

Someone get John a puzzle book for Xmas ?

Poor John ....did you not get any toys or games to keep you entertained? I think this highlights the cost of points at the top end of the table. I remember the Real Madrid president saying that he had a team capable of 80 points per season but he was buying Ronaldo for 90 million because he thought he was likely to add another 5 points per season. That works out at 18 million euros per point. We've got a first team capable of challenging, but we don't have a squad anywhere near strong enough. Celtic's additional points are the costliest but it shows how far we've still to go.

Hibs lost their three best players in the Summer. So anyone saying we should lower our expectations due to player turnover and just accept our inability to beat them needs to buck up his ideas.

The players are getting a hammering but the management is primarily to blame. Our tactics are awful, team selections awful. We know how to counter attack and we set up that way whether we’re playing Villarreal or Hamilton. It’s madness and I’m sick of it.

I think it was always going to be extremely difficult to win the title in SG’s first season given the mess he inherited. He’ll need 2 or 3 transfer windows to get us up to the level where we’re title challengers.

I don't think there ever was tbh. We simply don't have a strong enough squad or a good enough quality of player in several positions to do so yet. We also struggle to beat the better teams in the league (see quality issue/creativity)