---
title: "How does Derek McInnes fix Rangers’ current sticky patch?"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/10/29/how-mcinnes-fix-rangers-sticky-patch-form"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Graeme Hanna"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-10-29T13:45:12Z"
modified: "2026-10-29T13:45:12Z"
---

# How does Derek McInnes fix Rangers’ current sticky patch?

**Since the win over Celtic at Parkhead and the international break that followed, Rangers have played four games with two wins and two draws.**

Given the exertions of the four-fixture international period, the [second-half malaise against Kilmarnock](https://readrangers.com/2026/10/12/derek-mcinnes-admission-kilmarnock-win) can be excused, given that the game was put beyond doubt by half-time in the 3-1 win.

However, Rangers’ form and performance levels since then haven’t improved, with a lack of conviction in the three games since.

The play has been a pattern of sticky, patchy inconsistency and there is cause for concern.

Matters need to be addressed, but there is no need to panic. Things need to be put in context.

## Rangers recent form slump

After Kilmarnock, McInnes’ team was caught cold at Dundee. They didn’t rise to the [challenge at Dens Park](https://readrangers.com/2026/10/19/derek-mcinnes-dundee-missed-opportunity). Despite taking the lead in the second half through an excellent Nico Raskin strike, individual mistakes meant that two points were chucked away.

Last week’s victory over St.Johnstone was a convincing win, but the great work in the first half was almost squandered. Rangers were better value than the 1-0 scoreline suggested, then the visitors were allowed to seize the initiative after the break.

Thankfully, they didn’t capitalise. The chances came and they were taken. Rangers deserved the 4-0 margin at full time, but there were bumps on the road.

At [Tynecastle last night](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7WOQ-fq44), it was obvious that levels would need to be raised.

A big game requires a big performance under the lights and the Sky Sports cameras. Five or six players didn’t show up and that is unacceptable.

It was a poor performance, but they held on and snatched a draw. Only for an inexplicable Dujon Sterling miss in the final seconds we could have stolen the win. Fine margins!

## How does McInnes respond?

The next game is a welcome change of focus.

It’s the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden. All that matters is winning the game.

A few changes to the lineup should be in the offing, but that’s for the manager to decide.

There is a correlation between McInnes’ approach/setup and being able to control games, but his methods paid off handsomely in the recent Celtic double header.

The drop-off over the last four games needs to be arrested quickly, starting on Saturday.

Aberdeen should not be as difficult as Hearts and Dundee in recent weeks, but it’s all about what Rangers’ team shows up.

More of the same will cause issues, but a long-overdue full-game performance should see a comfortable victory.

Work to be done.

[Heart of Midlothian 2-2 Rangers | HIGHLIGHTS | William Hill Premiership (embedded)](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yR7WOQ-fq44?feature=oembed)