Rangers will return to action this afternoon in their latest Scottish Premiership clash against St Johnstone. They must bank a crucial three points following Celtic’s blistering 5-0 win over Ross County or risk the gap between them and their rivals getting out of hand.
We’ve taken a look at the latest news and transfer headlines ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership action.
Rangers concern raised ahead of St Johnstone
Rangers are once again faced with the pressure to perform in the Scottish Premiership following Celtic’s dominant win. Philippe Clement’s side are up against St Johnstone on the road this weekend but Alan Rough has identified a concern that could cause Rangers some issues.
Speaking the latest PLZ Saturday Morning Preview Show, the former Scotland goalkeeper believes St Johnstone have a chance of causing issues in their home clash. However, if the Light Blues can keep their attack flowing, it will ‘eventually’ be enough to break down the defence.
“I think early on if [St Johnstone] come out the way they’ve been coming, I think they’ll give Rangers a bit of a problem, they’ll press them, a bit more than what they get pressed in Europe,” Rough said. “Initially, I think St Johnstone will make it difficult but I think Rangers will have too many shots at goal, on or off target, and I think the majority of them will eventually hit the net.”
Rangers enter the match after their 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox last time out. With just two goals in their last two Premiership fixtures, the Gers will be eager to make a statement and enjoy a high goalscoring performance.
Celtic meet ‘financial issue’ in transfer pursuit
Celtic have reportedly hit a roadblock in their pursuit of signing Christian Eriksen from Manchester United. The midfielder is out of contract next summer but there has been some interest in a potential January move among rivals clubs.
The Hoops have been linked with Eriksen to bolster their options in the engine room but according to Football Insider, they have been met with a ‘financial issue’. His reported wage of £150,000-per-week is said to be a ‘big obstacle’ for the Scottish champions and the report claims Celtic will not get ‘anywhere near’ that amount.
The lack of room to offer such a high salary could stop a deal from happening in January, which will likely result in Eriksen waiting until the end of the season to explore more open options as a free agent.
