TO be the best, you have to beat the best. To be champions, you have to beat Celtic.
That is the challenge for Steven Gerrard’s side as they prepare for an Old Firm fixture that could shape their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
Win at Ibrox on Saturday and the Light Blue legions will dare to dream of a title challenge and possible silverware success in Gerrard’s first season in the dugout.
Lose, and fall six points behind having played a game more, and those hopes will look faint and somewhat forlorn once again.
It is six years since Rangers have emerged victorious on derby day in Glasgow and former Gers skipper Barry Ferguson knows that wretched run must end this weekend if Gerrard’s side are to be credible rivals to Celtic this term.
He said: “It is a long time, a long time. I think this is the best chance that Rangers have had, if I am being honest. It is a great opportunity, certainly at home.
“Rangers’ home form has been very good, I know they lost to Aberdeen. But I think they have got a real chance and they just need to turn up on the day.
“You can go on about form, but form goes out the window in Old Firm games. It is who wants it the most and I am sure Rangers, after seven years, which is a long time for the fans to suffer, will want to put that right.
“They need to beat them, it is as simple as that. If you want to win things, you need to beat them.
“Celtic are still the favourites, still the best team, so if you want to win league championships you need to beat the best.
“That is what Rangers have not done recently but they have got a good chance on the 29th.
“Being at home, I don’t think they have got anything to fear to be honest with you. Celtic are a good team but so are Rangers on their day.”
If Rangers are to finally overcome Brendan Rodgers’ side this weekend, it will take the biggest and best performance of the Gerrard era at Ibrox.
The Light Blues barely laid a glove on Celtic in the first Old Firm clash this term as Olivier Ntcham hit the only goal of the game at Parkhead.
And Ferguson reckons attack could be the best form of defence for the Gers as Gerrard looks to manoeuvre his side into the title race once again.
He said: “I don’t think it is going to make any difference. If Rangers beat them, they are not going to become favourites. Celtic are still favourites for the league.
“They have not been under any pressure and now they have had a couple of iffy results. It is about seeing how they handle the pressure.
“But, listen, Celtic have got big players, guys that have been in that position and they know what comes with playing at a big club and the pressure they are under. But, on the other hand, Rangers have got to take the opportunity.
“I have been in plenty of Rangers teams where we have gone there and tried to keep them quiet but you can go and have a go when you are at home.
“I have been in teams where we have went and had a go and got battered and ones where we have sat back and made it difficult.
“There are certain ways to play. I would have a go, because Rangers are at home. They have got 99.9 per cent of the crowd now, so I think they have to have a go.”
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