As the Rangers ‘grudge’ match approaches, a BBC journalist makes a 60-day Phillipe Clement admission.

According to Kheredine Idessane, Philippe Clement now faces 12 games in the following 60 days that could “re-define” his Rangers’ season.

The journalist wrote on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday (22 November) that the current re-run of the “grudge match” between the Gers and Aberdeen on Sunday (26 November) comes at a “intriguing time” since the previous clash witnessed the end of Michael Beale’s career at the club.

Despite the fact that the sides are slated to meet in the Viaplay Cup final on December 17, he believes this match is “just as important” since the new Light Blues manager knows he “can’t afford to slip up” as he attempts to challenge Celtic for the SPFL title this season.

“The latest re-run of this grudge match comes at an intriguing time,” Idessane went on to say. “Things have settled down rather nicely for Philippe Clement. It won’t be lost on him, however, that he’s about to go up against the side which effectively did for his predecessor.

“He now faces a dozen games in the next 60 days which could re-define Rangers’ season. The Viaplay Cup final on 17 December against Sunday’s opponents is already circled in the Christmas calendar.

“You could argue that this weekend’s trip to Pittodrie is just as important. The gap at the top of the table is still eight points, and if Clement wants to keep any kind of pressure on his opposite number across the city he knows he can’t afford to slip up when his league campaign resumes in Aberdeen.”

Momentum

After six wins in Clement’s first seven games, it was evident that Rangers’ momentum was building up before the international break.

Although the two-week break didn’t come at the best of times, the Belgian will be anxious to keep his side’s winning streak continuing when they visit Pittodrie.

Aberdeen will be stung by their 6-0 loss to Celtic on November 12, and the home fans will no doubt be expecting a comeback.

That is expected to ensure a furious confrontation between the two sets of players, with the Gers knowing that anything less than a win will not enough.

It’s also a great chance to boost confidence ahead of the Viaplay Cup final next month, where the Light Blues will be attempting to win the trophy for the first time since 2011.

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