Celtic icon Lubomir Moravcik is no stranger to performing in the derby against Rangers and he has been speaking about the upcoming title race clash at Ibrox.
Moravcik became such a hero with the Celtic support in part due to his exploits in this fixture, even from his very early days at the club and a famous 5-1 win at Celtic Park.
He remains a big supporter of the Hoops and will watch this Sunday when Brendan Rodgers’ side make the trip across the city.
Celtic must avoid defeat to credibly stay in the hunt for Scottish Premiership honours. Moravcik reckons that if Rodgers gets his strongest midfield three on the pitch, they have every chance.
Reo Hatate returned from injury on Sunday against Livingston and the coaching staff have high hopes Callum McGregor will come through training this week, too.
Moravcik on the strongest Celtic midfield
The former star said [Herald Sport, 04/03 print edition, page 4]: “Reo Hatate is an excellent footballer and alongside Kyogo Furuhashi they have both played consistently well and have been massive parts of Celtic’s success story over the past two years.
“Hatate made an impressive comeback and he looked very good. This match will be Hatate’s biggest test since returning from injury which is why Sunday is very important for Celtic.
“I know there are also some doubts over the fitness of Callum McGregor but I would dearly love to see him feature in Celtic’s starting 11 against Rangers. I want to see the likes of McGregor, Hatate and Matt O’Riley all take their place in the Celtic midfield at Ibrox.
“What a shot in the arm that would give everybody connected with the club. It is vitally important for Celtic to have their key players back fit, strong and ready to take on Rangers this weekend.”
Tomoki Iwata has proven to be an effective option in recent weeks so even if McGregor doesn’t make it, the manager has decent back-up in that area of the pitch.
Celtic can take confidence going into this one knowing that they have bested Rangers on two occasions already this season. Rodgers knows how to get the job done when these two sides meet.
In such a tense and tight title race every point counts and a draw wouldn’t be the worst result for the defending champions either.
The full rollercoaster of emotions is expected through the build-up and across the 90 minutes. Strap in.