Celtic take on Rangers this weekend as they look to hammer home their title-winning credentials on our rivals’ own patch.
Anticipation is building ahead of what could be a season-defining match for both clubs, who know their season is on a knife-edge heading into Sunday lunchtime’s kick-off at Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers has an almost fully fit squad to pick from amid the news that Luis Palma is set to join Callum McGregor in recovering from injury before our trip to Govan.
Winning is likely to be imperative for maintaining our Scottish Premiership title challenge, as a victory could give us a four-point lead at the summit ahead of Rangers’ clash at Dens Park next week, where they fulfil their game in hand.
Securing a draw also wouldn’t be detrimental; however, if we were to lose, it would increase the pressure significantly on Rodgers with just seven matches remaining.
Some believe these games are decided in midfield, though there are fascinating tactical battles all over the pitch that will garner the attention of a widespread audience.
Given there are no away fans present, we will need to make do with tuning into Sky Sports Main Event (or Sky Sports Football) from 11 am on Sunday ahead of kick-off at 12 noon.
Alan Stubbs on what Cameron Carter-Vickers brings to Celtic
The Bhoys have also been boosted recently by the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has helped to solidify our backline alongside either Liam Scales or Stephen Welsh.
Alan Stubbs believes the United States international’s presence could be vital for Celtic this weekend and has lauded the ‘assurance’ he can offer at a difficult away venue such as Ibrox.
Explaining his importance, Stubbs stated [Daily Record]: “The biggest thing about him since he has come back into the team is just the presence of being there among the other players.
“That’s a huge thing to consider because when you have your big players, you are going to the big grounds and the importance of the game; you need that.
“When you are able to look around and know you have the likes of a Carter-Vickers, you think, ‘Yeah, we’ve got a chance here’. With him, he just brings a calmness, an assurance. He brings an experience but also a confidence.”
Celtic need their key men to perform on Sunday
It goes without saying, but Celtic need to harness their experience of being in these situations and prevailing in the past once they arrive at Ibrox on Sunday.
Rodgers has a large core of players who have been over the course before, and it is up to them to prove why we deserve to pip Rangers to the league title.
There have been plenty of ups and downs this season; however, what a story it would be if the Bhoys were able to secure a domestic double.
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