With a £17.2 million loss in their most recent financial reports, Glasgow Rangers may have difficulties in the years to come.
Given Aberdeen’s current form—the team Rangers play this evening—Philip Clement will be doing well to finish second in the Premiership based on his on-field performances this season.
Aberdeen will present a far bigger task after struggling to a 2-1 victory over St Mirren over the weekend. There will be adjustments, but who will start?
Against Aberdeen, Clement might unleash Cyriel Dessers.
After struggling against the Buddies, Hamza Igamane was substituted for Cyriel Dessers in the second half.
Despite not having scored any Premiership goals since August, the Nigerian has seven goals this season. Given the dearth of choices in this area and Igamane’s inexperience, the 29-year-old is certain to start tonight against Jimmy Thelin’s squad.
For Dessers to have the best opportunity to add more goals to his total, Clement needs players to support him.
The Belgian should start Ianis Hagi, who has the potential to make all the difference, while Tom Lawrence is available.
Why Hagi might start for the Rangers for the first time this season
The Romanian had previously scored at Pittodrie, in a 1-1 draw in January 2022, just days before he sustained a major knee injury that prevented him from playing for a year.
Hagi just made his first appearance of the season last month, substituting against St Johnstone, due to a contract disagreement. In spectacular fashion, he announced his return after grabbing an assist before getting sent off.
Steven Gerrard once called the £21k-per-week star a “absolute dream to work with.” If he can reproduce his early Rangers brilliance, the player might have Dessers fire again.
During his first season in Glasgow, the attacking midfielder was arguably at his best, helping the Gers win the 2020–21 Premiership title without a loss.
Hagi scored seven goals and provided eleven assists in 33 league games that season. He also created six huge opportunities, averaged one critical pass per game, and succeeded with 0.6 dribbles per game.
Others like Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe were able to thrive because of his inventiveness, and he may undoubtedly do the same for Dessers tonight.
This evening’s performance against Aberdeen might serve as the impetus for Hagi to advance and ultimately reach his full potential. Clement might offer him several of chances in the upcoming weeks if he can generate a few opportunities in the northeast and assist the Light Blues in achieving a victory that will bolster their confidence.
This season, the Dons have not yet experienced a loss. Tonight, will Rangers be the first to provide such a result? Or will Thelin guide his team to yet another outstanding outcome against an Old Firm team?