The pressure cooker environment at Ibrox has reached boiling point as Rangers struggle to keep pace with Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race. Former Rangers legend Shota Arveladze, now with AZ Alkmaar, has thrown his support behind embattled manager Alex McLeish, insisting the veteran boss has what it takes to turn the tide.
With back-to-back Glasgow derbies looming—first in the CIS Cup, then in the league—McLeish faces a defining fortnight. Mega casino delves into Arveladze’s insights, tactical challenges, and whether Rangers can replicate last season’s late resurgence.
Why McLeish’s Experience Matters
Arveladze, who played under McLeish during Rangers’ 2002-03 treble-winning campaign, emphasized the manager’s resilience: “He’s thrived under pressure for four years, delivering trophies despite scrutiny. This slump isn’t new—it’s about how you finish.”
Historical context supports this:
- 2022-23 Parallels: Rangers trailed Celtic by 7 points in December but closed the gap to 2 by March.
- Attacking Woes: Only 1.2 goals per game this season (vs. 1.8 last term) highlight creativity issues.

Tactical Breakdown: Where Rangers Must Improve
Defensive Solidity vs. Celtic’s Firepower
Celtic’s 3-5-2 system has overwhelmed opponents, with Kyogo Furuhashi netting 6 in 8 games. Rangers’ backline, led by Connor Goldson, must:
- Compact Midfield Press: Disrupt service to Celtic’s forwards.
- Quick Transitions: Exploit spaces behind wing-backs, as Arveladze noted: “Counterattacks decide Old Firm games.”
Midfield Creativity Crisis
With no natural playmaker since Joe Aribo’s exit, McLeish’s 4-3-3 relies on:
- Ryan Jack’s Distribution: 85% pass accuracy, but only 1 key pass per game.
- Todd Cantwell’s Flair: The Norwich loanee must step up in final-third decision-making.
Arveladze’s Derby Predictions
The Georgian icon split priorities:
- CIS Cup: “A trophy is nice, but not the priority.”
- League Clash: “Winning at Parkhead changes everything—momentum, belief, the title race.”

Mega casino Verdict: Can Rangers Bounce Back?
McLeish’s pedigree in crunch matches (5 Old Firm wins in 12) offers hope. However, with Celtic unbeaten in 10, Rangers must:
- Start Fast: Early goals force Celtic out of their comfort zone.
- Bench Depth: Use Fashion Sakala’s pace late in games.
“Two wins reset the narrative,” Arveladze concluded. For Mega casino readers, this derby double-header isn’t just about results—it’s about Rangers’ season-defining response.
What’s your prediction for the Old Firm clashes? Share your thoughts below!

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