Everything seems bleak for Rangers today after losing to Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on penalties.
The Scottish Cup was seen as Rangers’ best path to silverware this season, especially since they are six points behind Hearts in the Premiership.
Despite yesterday’s huge disappointment, attention shifts to the league’s remaining fixtures.
The Gers have four games left before the season splits for the final five fixtures.
To rescue their season and reputation, Danny Rohl’s men must now focus on one key objective.
Finish above Celtic
Rangers still have a realistic shot at winning the league, even if the task appears difficult.
Finishing above Celtic, who are just one point ahead, is more realistic and should now drive Rangers’ efforts.
After 29 league games, Rangers are third on 57 points; Celtic are second with 58.
They end the regular season by playing Falkirk away.
Celtic face fourth-placed Motherwell in their next game, a really tricky fixture given Motherwell’s position in the Premiership.
Martin O’Neill’s men end the regular season with two away games versus Dundee United and Dundee FC, then host St Mirren.
Rohl’s men have drawn a dismal 12 games in the league this season, and that needs to change if they are to finish above their rivals.
Can they win the league?
With nine games left and being only six points from the top, Rangers can still realistically win the league.
Despite many draws, Rohl’s men rarely lose, with only two Premiership defeats.
The back four and the goalkeeper have been solid for most of the season and have proved to be solid building blocks for the future.
If Rangers are to win the league or at least outpace Celtic, their attack must turn draws into wins.
Rohl starting two strikers takes away the attacking-midfield flair that can bridge the gap between the midfield and the forward line.
Should Rohl use a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of 4-2-2-2 to create more chances for Youssef Chermiti?
Whatever the solution, Rangers need to quickly find a formula that can create better-quality chances in front of the goal.
Hearts have won their last three victories 1-0, failing to blow teams away.
If Celtic and Hearts continue to struggle and Rangers improve their approach, the Gers can still reach their revised objective and challenge for silverware.
