Dropped points are always magnified when expectations are high at Ibrox, yet the result does not change the wider picture. But there's no doubt Celtic's 7-1 win over Hearts changes things.

That's four points and the 12 goals which separate the Glasgow giants at the top of the table.

But for a team who have watched their biggest rivals win 14 of the past 15 titles - it's hard for your nerve not to go when results go against you.

Our team debate the for and against a Rangers title win.

Cards on the table time, will Rangers win the league? 

Jonny McFarlane: "Yes. Derek McInnes knows what he needs to do to win football matches in this league. The Ibrox men were always going to have a few ups and downs in bedding in their 14 new summer signings but the signs are promising. This is a physical side, built for the rough and tumble of the Scottish game. Hearts look diminished from last year and I can't see them mounting a sustained challenge the way they did last term. Celtic have flair in forward areas and the league's biggest livewire in Camilo Duran but Rangers have already shown they are a better side and with Ibrox to come next, they have nothing to fear from across the city."

Graeme Young: "Not this year, but it will be close. In Scottish football, a place where opinions change like the wind, there can be a fair bit of nuance involved. Derek McInnes' tactical masterclass over two games against Celtic appeared potentially season-defining. But then all those gnawing fears about Rangers over a full season came pouring out after Saturday's uneven 2-2 draw with Dundee. Celtic, despite their many flaws, are four points clear plus 12 better off in the goal difference column. The current Premiership champions remain the best over the long format." 

What does Derek McInnes have to change to avoid more costly slip-ups? 

JM: "Get back to basics and cut out the calamities. Make no mistake, Rangers lost out to Dundee because of two individual errors. And yet, defensively they have been very good of late and one goal victories have been the hallmark of their campaign so far. That slim margin wasn't good enough at Dens but Steven Pressley's side are already looking to be this season's joker in the Premiership deck. Nobody will have an easy time up there so I'd suggest McInnes chalks it up to an important learning experience for his young team."

GY: "The overarching theme after the double over Celtic was that Rangers' aggressive had neutered their rivals' attacking swagger, but it turns out that the Ibrox side can also be spooked when a side puts on them. Both Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi have shown their worth. However, it's crystal clear that the tight games (see Falkirk away) are made for Lawrence Shank land. McInnes is an SPFL lifer and understands many games are decided by moments – he must uncover a way to turn frustrating draws into galvanising victories."

Do you think there's a chance Rangers go undefeated against Celtic and still don't win the league? 

JM: "Yes. Rangers have a talented young team full of power and menace but only they can prove they have the mentality to grind out the results that take you to a title. McInnes' men have shown just how good they can be in big games at Ibrox and Parkhead but lets be honest, Celtic haven't been Rangers' problem for a while now and the men from the East End keep winning the trophies come May. While the manager has added some seasoned campaigners to the group, he has often commented on the youthful nature of his charges. Experience pros often suggest that a first title is the hardest to win. Rangers will have to show an appetite to spit and fight to the very last, and not just in the glamorous fixtures selected by Sky Sports."

GY:  "I've just picked against Rangers winning the title. However, I can see a compelling case where McInnes' side back-up their consecutive wins for the rest of the season against Celtic . . .and still find themselves looking across the city with envy. Unless Celtic have a major January then they remain ill-equipped to quell Rangers. But flip the coin and there's not enough evidence the Ibrox side can pick up enough points against the rest."