Rangers Women head to Petershill Park this afternoon knowing their title hopes hinge on producing a statement result against Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 leaders Glasgow City.
Leanne Crichton’s side trail the table toppers by seven points and understand the scale of the task: they must close that gap today, and become the first team to defeat City this season, to keep genuine pressure on their city rivals in the race for the championship.
The challenge is underlined by the previous meeting between the sides. City edged a tight, cagey contest at Ibrox earlier in the campaign, claiming a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late Nicole Kozlova volley to take all three points.
There is added narrative around the dugouts. Crichton took charge at Ibrox in the summer after leaving her role as assistant to City boss Leanne Ross, but she has previously stressed that professional rivalry cleanly replaces friendship on matchday.
“I don't think there's ever going to be any animosity between the two sides because of the managers,” Crichton said after the first meeting between the clubs this season.
“But we were able to part that friendship for 90 minutes and she [Ross] has the bragging rights today.”
Crichton’s focus now is on flipping that script and earning Rangers the bragging rights on their rivals turf, and she believes her squad are in a far stronger position to do so than at various points earlier in the season.
“The group is in a good place just now; it is something that we have not had an awful lot this season,” she explained following the women's 2-1 win over Hibs.
“The numbers in terms of the squad are really strong - we have got Leah [Eddie] back on the pitch this afternoon as well, which is a player we have been without for huge spells this season.
“As everybody has probably served their time on the touchline, it is great to have the numbers. It allows training to be so competitive.”
That renewed depth and competition has fed into a confident mindset within the camp. On-loan Roma midfielder Kim Shin-Ji echoed that belief, framing the fixture as an opportunity as much as a challenge.
“Everyone in the squad is fully focused on one thing, winning,” she said.
“We’re all excited about the possibility of victory, and we’re preparing to make sure we deliver the result on the pitch.
“Every game is important, but this one feels especially significant. They’re unbeaten this season, and it feels like a real opportunity for us to change the momentum and take it ourselves.”
With the stakes clear and momentum in the balance, Rangers know a win would not only cut the gap but send a powerful message in the title race.
The match is live on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer from 4.05pm, with kick-off five minutes later.