No such thing as meaningless: 3 reasons to be right up for Celtic v Rangers

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Understandably, many Celtic fans may feel a sense of apathy towards Sunday’s trip to Ibrox.

With 2020/21 draws to a close, the Hoops will endure the first trophyless season at the club since 2009/10 [Sports Mole]. As the winds of change draw ever nearer, the last three league fixtures will provide a swansong for multiple senior figures at Parkhead.

In need of a boost after a confidence sapping draw at Pittodrie [Sky Sports], winning in Govan could provide the perfect tonic for a strong finish to the campaign. Without further ado, here are three reasons to get excited for the Glasgow Derby fixture this weekend.

James Forrest should be fit, facilitating the usage of the 4-2-3-1 formation

As if by magic, Celtic temporarily looked like a different animal as James Forrest returned to the starting eleven against Falkirk [BBC Sport] and Livingston [Daily Mail]. Injured in the latter match, the Scot unfortunately missed the Scottish Cup encounter against our arch-rivals the following week [Daily Record].

So often has been the case, in absence of the influential winger the Hoops have reverted to the restrictive 4-4-2 diamond system. Consequentially, a lack of natural width has prevented Celtic exploiting the gaps left in the Rangers defence due to their rampaging full backs.

This formational change also allows Norwegian international Mohamed Elyounoussi to come in off the left-hand side. If he can link the play with the likes of Odsonne Edouard, David Turnbull and Forrest effectively, Celtic’s offensive threat will elevate substantially..

Rangers will be low in confidence after an unexpected cup defeat

Despite the disinterest some might hold towards Sunday, Celtic could not have picked a better time to play their adversaries. St Johnstone deservedly eliminated our opponents from the Scottish Cup last week after a penalty shoot-out [BBC Sport]. Showing their beatable nature, there is no reason the Celts can’t repeat the Saintees heroics come the 2^nd May.

Mentality is the most crucial component in the make-up of successful sides. Nobody is arguing the team across the city haven’t earned the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title. However, missing the chance of securing a treble, in spite of a favourable run towards a clean sweep will leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Hopefully, Celtic can take advantage of this in the derby clash.

Celtic can lay down a marker ahead of the 2021/22 season

 Of course, there is the small matter of preventing an unbeaten Scottish Premiership run across the city. Fundamentally, this should act as a real incentive for John Kennedy’s men come Sunday.

Although, perhaps more important is the pursuit of re-asserting ourselves as a team who can beat anyone in the country. Put simply, Celtic have not shown these qualities to be present throughout the campaign.

Looking ahead, the Celts will be desperate to reclaim the Scottish Premiership trophy. Planting a seed of doubt in the opposition camp this weekend with victory, would provide pivotal momentum ahead of 2021/22.

Laying down a marker may be a cliché saying in football. Nevertheless, everyone connected with Celtic would revel in the reality of a derby victory coming to fruition this weekend.