ONE derby down, two to go. One is a must win, the other is a must not lose.

After dropping another two Premiership points at the Energy Check at Firhill Stadium on Friday night, Rangers will make the short trip across Glasgow once again tomorrow evening.

Having missed out on top spot in the Premiership, a Betfred Cup semi-final berth is now in Pedro Caixinha’s sights as the Gers look to head into their clash with Celtic this weekend on the back of a much-needed win.

Read more: Rangers defender Declan John ready for Old Firm bow against Celtic

There were few positives for Caixinha to take on Friday night as Rangers once again slipped up. In his six months in charge, he has yet to win three successive league games and Rangers remain consistently inconsistent.

A hat-trick of successes against their Glasgow counterparts would have eased the pressure on the Portuguese’s shoulders but the spotlight is now shining brightly on him once again.

The Thistle clash was a game that Rangers could easily have won, but also one that they could easily have lost as chances were spurned and opportunities were given up to a side that have yet to record a victory in the Premiership this term.

The opening goal from Alfredo Morelos – a clinical, powerful finish beyond keeper Ryan Scully – should have given Rangers the impetus to go on and follow up their wins over Ross County and Dundee with another top flight triumph.

There was always the feeling that Thistle were more than in the game, though, and Rangers were never completely in control. In the end, it took a moment of magic from Graham Dorrans to salvage a share of the spoils.

Read more: Rangers need to cut out the mistakes in Partick Thistle rematch, says Fabio Cardoso​

It wasn’t a performance or a result to inspire confidence amongst supporters ahead of two matches that could shape Rangers’ season, and potentially Caixinha’s Ibrox future.

The Old Firm fixtures always stand out on the schedule and the four meetings with Brendan Rodgers’ side in the top flight will be crucial for Caixinha this term. In all likelihood, Celtic will also stand between the Portuguese and his first silverware in Scotland if Rangers can continue to dream of Hampden glory.

The head-to-heads with their oldest rivals are the days that can define a season, that can make or break a manager. Having already suffered a bloody nose in the Scottish Cup and been on the end of a record-breaking defeat at Ibrox, Caixinha can ill-afford to sustain another barrage of blows from Celtic this weekend.

He must prove that he has learned the lessons from that humiliating day on some soil as Rodgers’ side ran riot and inflicted Rangers’ worst ever Old Firm defeat in front of their own fans.

The team that lined up that day may have been vastly inferior to Celtic, but Caixinha didn’t help his cause with the way he set his side up and he couldn’t inspire them to perform above the lowly levels at which they had operated for most of the campaign.

Read more: Declan John disappointed he couldn't mark Rangers bow with a win​

It was the darkest day of last season for the Gers and the blackest mark on Caixinha’s CV. Well, until that night in Luxembourg.

With doubters to win over and critics to silence, the 46-year-old would surely struggle to survive such a comprehensive defeat again and a repeat would lead to fierce questions over his ability and suitability for the position.

Having overhauled his Ibrox ranks, Caixinha will be confident that the outcome can be different this time around and that he can make it third time lucky against Rodgers. Many supporters won’t share his optimism, though.

Over the course of the campaign, this squad won’t be strong enough to prevent Celtic securing seven-in-a-row. In terms of a one-off, Rangers are better equipped for the challenge than they were in April.

But they will still head into derby day as huge underdogs and there are doubts over whether the Gers have a performance at the level required in them.

Read more: Rangers defender Declan John ready for Old Firm bow against Celtic

An Old Firm win would be a significant moment for Caixinha, but it is not going to be the foundation upon which a title challenge is built this term. It would be sweet, but it won’t increase the chances of silverware success.

The same can’t be said of the meeting with Alan Archibald’s side tomorrow night, though. That one is win or bust.

The aims for Rangers this season had to be to close the gap to Celtic, finish ahead of Aberdeen and lift at least one piece of silverware.

That is why the Jags clash is so important for the Light Blues as they attempt to keep alive the first of their two chances at cup glory this term.

Having come close in the last couple of years, it would be another step on the road to recovery for Rangers if they could finally go all the way this season and celebrate at Hampden. The league flag was never a realistic ambition, but there is no reason why this new-look side, which has been assembled at a sizeable cost, shouldn’t be in the mix when the cup medals are being handed out.

Read more: Rangers need to cut out the mistakes in Partick Thistle rematch, says Fabio Cardoso​

It is that ambition that will be at the forefront of Caixinha’s mind ahead of the return to Firhill tomorrow night. The dream must still be a reality before attentions can be turned to Celtic.

The investment in Caixinha – both financially and personally – has been substantial and there has to be signs that it will be repaid sooner rather than later.

It is a significant week for Rangers. It is even more important for their manager.