There can be no doubt that Celtic performed dreadfully in the last Glasgow derby. The Hoops were bullied and harassed and didn’t lay a glove on Rangers in the 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in December.
However, since then the Hoops have bounced back. They go into Sunday’s Glasgow derby with a 10 point lead over their bitter rivals.
Change of personnel key
One reason for that upturn in form – a change of goalkeeper. Scott Bain replacing Craig Gordon has brought an air of calmness to the Hoops side, that was missing previously.
Bain’s emergence as Hoops number one is one major reason why Celtic’s performance on Sunday will be an improvement on their last derby performance.
Gordon had a strange game against Rangers in December. He pulled off a number of fine saves which kept the score down. But some of those saves had to be made after some poor kick outs and passes from Gordon to his defenders.
Keeps things simple
Bain seems to keep things simpler than when Gordon was in the team. He is more likely to kick the ball up the park than pass it out to his defenders.
The Hoops seem to be taking fewer chances at the back under interim boss Neil Lennon than they did under Brendan Rodgers. That too, can only help performances.
Since losing to Rangers, the Hoops have conceded only two goals in 10 league games. Bain has to get credit for that improvement, which could well continue in the match against Rangers.
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