Celtic travel to Ibrox next month in a match with potentially huge implications in the battle for the Scottish Premiership title.
The Bhoys sit at the top of the pile by a solitary point, having played a game more than Rangers and could have the chance to move four clear by defeating Livingston next weekend alongside toppling Philippe Clement’s side.
Of course, there is also the added carrot that Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Liam Scales could be in contention to play a part during a congested fixture schedule.
Heading into the Glasgow Derby on April 7th, one key advantage Brendan Rodgers’ men hold is the fact they have already saw off Rangers twice this season, with Kyogo Furuhashi proving decisive in both matches.
Japan international Furuhashi has come into some form, scoring in back-to-back matches against Livingston and St Johnstone, taking his tally to 15 goals in 40 appearances circa 2023/24 [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, we won’t have any fans present at Ibrox unless something changes, which is bound to create another hostile atmosphere for the Bhoys to contend with in Govan.
Having a minimal away contingent in the ground hasn’t been a major problem over the past few years; regardless, it would be nice to see both clubs agree to a set allocation for visiting supporters in the future.
Paul Lambert says Celtic will encounter ‘new experience’ at Ibrox
Former Celtic man Paul Lambert has been there and done it as far as the Scottish Premiership title is concerned, claiming the league trophy on four separate occasions at Parkhead.
Discussing his old side’s credentials, the 54-year-old has claimed that the latest renewal of our rivalry with Rangers will be a ‘new experience’ for a lot of Rodgers’ players amid the serious jeopardy attached to the end result.
Lambert stated [The Celtic Way]: “Celtic are going to Ibrox knowing that they are facing a different Rangers team this time around. Rangers have a spring in their step after recent results and with the way manager Philippe Clement has them playing, but as things stand at the minute, they are still sitting second.
“This is the first time Celtic have been put under serious pressure. Rangers have won one title in the last 12 years so you have to say that they have had it all their own way for a long period.
“The players know what they are up against now but it is a new experience for a lot of them in much the same way that it will be new territory for most of the Rangers squad.
“This will be the hardest derby match Celtic have faced this season. It is also the kind of fixture that makes players do things differently from what they would normally do.”
Celtic have enough resolve to handle Ibrox pressure
Celtic are under pressure, there is no question. However, there is also heavy pressure on our rivals, who have yet to win a meaningful game against us in quite some time.
Hopefully, Rodgers can tactically nullify their main threats and deploy a game plan to silence the home crowd, which he has already managed on one occasion this season.
Travelling to Ibrox and emerging with three points won’t be straightforward; regardless, Celtic are more than capable of getting the job done.