Things are very much on the up for one Rangers coach
While the focus in men’s football will be on the World Cup in Qatar, SWPL leaders Rangers face two huge games in six days.
First up are Glasgow City at Petershill Park this afternoon, followed by Celtic at Broadwood on Saturday.
Both Rangers and City have maximum points from nine games, with Celtic – who lost 2-1 to City before the women’s international break – three points behind.
As well as winning all 12 domestic games this season, including three in the Sky Sports Cup, Rangers have yet to concede a goal.
“I think that probably is unique,” said Ibrox head coach, Malky Thomson.
“Last season was unique as well, in that we went the full campaign undefeated in the league. That’s something we were enormously proud of.”
The Light Blues’ last league loss was 17 months ago in the final game of the 2020-21 season, when they were beaten 2-0 by today’s opponents, City.
The stand-alone women’s club had their domination taken away from them last season when Rangers won their first-ever title.
Even then, there wasn’t much between the teams, with Rangers winning one of the three games and the other two being drawn.
Both had their preparations for today’s game interrupted by the international break. City had nine players away with five different countries, while Rangers had seven women with three separate nations.
As a result, their full squad weren’t back training until Friday, and Thomson admitted: “In an ideal world, it would be great to have every player in to prepare and plan during the full week.
“But it doesn’t faze us at all. What is important is that we have international players going and representing countries. That’s a big factor for me.”
After beating Celtic, City were brought down to earth a fortnight ago when they lost their Sky Sports Cup semi-final 2-1 to Hibs.
City head coach, Eileen Gleeson said: “Football is highs and lows. We had the high against Celtic, and then we slipped up against Hibs.”
With the top two facing each other, third-placed Celtic can benefit if they beat Hearts, who are fourth, at the Excelsior.
The weeks before the international break were difficult for Celtic coach, Fran Alonso’s side.
Star midfielder Jacynta was sent off in the Sky Sports Cup quarter-final against Spartans, which the holders lost on penalties. That was followed by the 2-1 loss to City with the Australian suspended.
Jacynta will also miss today’s game against a Hearts side who sit six points behind.
Today’s other games are Motherwell v Aberdeen, Hamilton Accies v Partick Thistle, Dundee United v Spartans and bottom club Glasgow Women v Hibs.