The Rangers fixture incentive which allows Steven…

The Rangers fixture incentive which allows Steven Gerrard's side to open up gap over Celtic

Rangers have the chance to build a seven point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of next month's international fixtures.

Steven Gerrard's men play three more league matches before the next break while rivals Celtic play just two due to their Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden. The Ibrox side are currently four clear having played a game more.

Rangers know none of those upcoming three fixtures are nailed on victories – just look at the dropped points against Livingston and Hibs earlier this season. However they'll no doubt recognise the opportunity to pile the pressure on their Old Firm rivals going into the winter months, and if that doesn't give them an extra edge we're not sure what will.

The fixtures - against Livingston and Hamilton at Ibrox, and Kilmarnock away – will tell us a lot about the mentality of Gerrard's side, and whether they've learned their lesson from last season's post-Old Firm implosion.

We're now past the point of questioning whether Rangers can compete with Celtic in head-to-head fixtures, they've been the better side in recent derby matches.

Their title credentials hinge on being able to consistently overcome the teams they are expected to beat week-in week-out.

Victories in their next three matches will see the Ibrox side at least seven points clear at the top of the table.

However it'll also give us an indication as to whether Rangers are mentally equipped to go the distance this time around.

On the flip-side Celtic know there's no room for error now – and tricky looking away fixtures against Aberdeen and Motherwell in the next two league games are of huge significance.

Neil Lennon's men have shown time and again that they have the ability, mentality and consistency required to win this league.

The difference is, for the first time in a long while, they may be required to chase rather than lead.