Former Celtic player Davie Provan thinks a victory for Neil Lennon’s side today would kill any hopes Rangers have of a sustaining a Scottish Premiership title bid, writing in his Scottish Sun column.
Steven Gerrard’s team visit Celtic Park today already five points adrift of the reigning Scottish champions, albeit having played a game less.
Victory for Lennon and the Bhoys would mean a sizable eight-point gap is opened between first and second. It’s the kind of gap that could prove unsurmountable in the second half of the season.
Having already beaten Rangers twice this season at Ibrox and Hampden, another victory today would complete the hat-trick.
Provan thinks all that would prove to be a killer blow to the hopes of Gerrard’s side.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Sky Sports pundit said: “A draw would be a much better result for Gerrard than Lennon. It would keep Rangers in the hunt with two derbies left.
“You can bet the Liverpool icon recognises the implications of defeat.
“Were Celtic to complete an Old Firm treble of wins at Ibrox, Hampden and Celtic Park, they would have Gers in their pocket. It would kill any belief in Gerrard’s dressing room stone dead.”
The pundit goes on to make Celtic his favourites to win, suggesting it’ll be lights out for Rangers if the Hoops take advantage of the Celtic Park atmosphere.
Celtic have shown a mental advantage
With Rangers chasing victory today, Celtic are well placed to capitalise.
We may not have played anywhere close to our best in the cup final derby, but we showed the mental fortitude to get ourselves ahead and then defend resolutely to win. That’s the mark of an excellent team.
Gerrard’s outfit meanwhile have crumbled more often than not in key matches over the last few seasons, even after the appointment of the former Liverpool man.
Today is a tough test, there is no doubt about that. Our visitors have shown real consistency in the top-flight this season.
However, Provan is right to suggest that a Hoops victory leaves their season on the brink of collapse.
When you consider that heading into 2019 they were level on points with us, for all the talk of Ibrox improvement it would be remarkable if we ended the year 8 points clear, having secured a further three trophies.
A derby occasion like this places pressure on both teams, but not only have Celtic shown they are more capable of handling it, for Rangers it is much greater.
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