Rangers Warned On Why They May Not Catch Celtic: Can McInnes Catch Celtic?

Rangers Warned On Why They May Not Catch Celtic: Can McInnes Catch Celtic? Rangers have made a steady start under Derek McInnes, collecting 24 points from 11 Scottish Premiership matches. Seven wins, three draws, and one defeat have kept the Ibrox side second, although Celtic have opened a four-point gap at the top. Rangers have scored 19 league goals and conceded nine, giving McInnes a solid defensive base as he continues to shape his squad. Ryan Naderi leads the club’s league scoring with five goals, while Djeidi Gassama has provided three assists. However, the recent 2-2 draw away to Hearts showed that Rangers still need more consistency if they want to sustain a title challenge. This weekend could increase the pressure. Celtic can move seven points clear by beating Falkirk on Sunday, while Rangers turn their attention to the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden. With no league fixture to close the gap, McInnes must watch Celtic’s result knowing his side cannot respond immediately in the standings. Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs believes that situation could become difficult for Rangers. Speaking to talkSPORT on Friday, he argued that the Ibrox side lack the players needed to recover if Celtic establish a substantial lead. Stubbs also said neither club currently match the quality of previous Celtic and Rangers teams. “It’s a big ask if Celtic go that (seven points clear of Rangers). We’ve seen them draw up leads in the past,” he said. “There are two teams at the moment who are probably not at the peak of their powers really, in terms of the squads. I think Celtic needs a real uplift, and I’d say so does Rangers as well. “No disrespect, but they’re not two great teams at the moment, Al (Alan Brazil), compared to where they have been. That’s what makes it closer. “I think the last thing Rangers need at this moment is for Celtic to be building a big lead, because I don’t think they’ve got the players potentially to draw it back if Celtic do get themselves in the lead.” Does McInnes have enough quality to keep Rangers in the race? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 24: Tochi Chukwuani of Rangers reacts after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Stubbs raises a fair question, but Rangers have a foundation worth backing. Their nine goals conceded in 11 league games point to defensive strength, while Naderi’s five goals have provided a regular source of scoring. Kevin Kelsy offers another attacking option, and Lawrence Shankland’s expected return could give McInnes greater choice up front. Yet a strong starting eleven doesn’t guarantee a successful title challenge. Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can expose weaknesses quickly, particularly when the alternatives cannot maintain the same standard. Rangers also need to address right-back and centre-back, with John Souttar’s contract expiring in 2027 and Ben Godfrey’s loan ending next summer. McInnes arrived to bring stability after difficult seasons, so the board should avoid panic-driven recruitment. However, January offers a chance to strengthen positions that could become problems later in the campaign. Rangers don’t necessarily need another wholesale rebuild, but they do need reliable cover across the defence and enough attacking depth to keep collecting points when their preferred options aren’t available. If Celtic build a sizeable lead, that depth could matter more than Rangers’ current league position suggests.