Pundit says Rangers worry could play into Celtic’s hands in upcoming Glasgow Derby

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Celtic are enjoying some time off in the international break before we return to action against Livingston this weekend at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

With eight league matches to go, the Bhoys sit one point ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership amid the looming excitement of our upcoming trip to Ibrox at the beginning of next month.

This weekend, we could go into our clash against David Martindale’s outfit two points behind if events elsewhere go in a particular direction; nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers’ men will arrive in Govan with an advantage should they see off the Lions.

Of course, the headline news ahead of our trip to West Lothian is that club captain Callum McGregor, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate, and central defender Liam Scales could all return in time to feature.

Playing on an artificial surface won’t be ideal preparation for the Glasgow Derby; regardless, Celtic have an opportunity to build on some of its recent momentum by ensuring they navigate past the league’s bottom side.

Following Sunday’s events, a week of derby preparation will ensue in the latest instalment of a frantic end-of-season schedule at Parkhead.

Pundit says Rangers worry could give Celtic an advantage

While Celtic continue to get players back from injury, Rangers are struggling with problems of their own, with Abdallah Sima, Danilo, Ryan Jack, Oscar Cortes, Ridvan Yilmaz and Kieran Dowell all potentially missing from the upcoming fixture.

Pundit Tam McManus has explained why this could be a problem for our rivals, claiming that this could prove to be the ‘difference’ when both teams go toe-to-toe in Govan next month.

McManus stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “It could be pivotal; I think that Celtic are starting to get players back, and Rangers are going the other way.”

He later added: “With Celtic starting to get players back, the likes of Hatate, Carter-Vickers and guys like that and Rangers losing some key players, that could be the difference in the Old Firm game coming up.”

Celtic don’t have time to think about matters across the city

Injury troubles may impact the team Philippe Clement fields next month; nevertheless, Celtic know they will be in for a tough challenge as they look to take three points from Ibrox.

Both sides have struggled with player fitness this term, though the harsh reality of football in Glasgow means that there is no room for excuses on a day that could go a long way to deciding the destination of the league title.

The Bhoys are more than capable of emerging victorious in Govan. Despite this, Rodgers will only have his eyes fixed on defeating Livingston before focusing on matters thereafter.