Celtic are preparing for the final derby of the season on Sunday.
The Hoops have yet to win against Rangers in 90 minutes this season, but have overcome their rivals in extra time and on penalties.
The first meeting of the two was the most boring 0-0 draw anyone will ever watch. It was Rodgers vs Martin – that feels like many moons ago now.
A 3-1 derby win for Rangers was followed by another draw, this time 2-2.
On Sunday, the equation for Celtic is simple. They must win to keep their title hopes alive.
In a boost for the Celtic team, they will have the full stadium backing them, including the Green Brigade, who were locked out of the January match.
Against Falkirk, the atmosphere was electric, easily the best of the season, and when Rangers visit this weekend, Callum McGregor is hoping for more of the same.
He says the fans have a “hugely important” role to play from the stands.
He told Celtic TV:
“Hugely important, as they always are. They’re so, so important for this football club. You’ve seen it in the last few weeks.
“The temperatures just started to be lifted. The team are responding well. Like I said, it’s a derby game against Rangers at home.
“We always want to give the maximum we can in that game. We want to be successful so everybody has a part to play.
“The players will hopefully give them something to get off their seats about and hopefully we can create that special atmosphere that will take us across the line.”
Hearts go first this weekend. They face Motherwell at Fir Park, with the Steelmen looking to take another big scalp in the split. They’ve already beaten Rangers and Celtic fans will be hoping that they can make the path to the title easier.
thanks for the message Cal Mac, do us all a bloody favour and get a wee bit angry tomorrow, I hear all this calm heads and play the occasion stuff you’ve been spouting for the last two years. the reality is you’ve been bitched in these games. if you canny get angry Ben fake an injury as more often than not recently you have been a man short in this fixture
More often than not he hss been the key man in this fixture. Does it have to be him and him alone who does this every single time ? Maybe we need soneone else to show some initiative for a cha ge instead of dissing our medal-strewn captain.
Totally agree mate. Last time I saw him play well v Huns was when he had the “Zorro” mask on.
For a captain with around 500 games under his belt, totally inexcuseable.
Huns sussed him out years ago, put a man tight on him and he disappears.
Hopefully I will be proved wrong tomorrow, but seen the movie too many times.
Celtic’s midfield is so slow, particularly McGregor, Raskin will be all over him every chance he gets.
I am so sick of Callum’s comments before big games, and would rather he started performing like a captain than talking like one.
Needs replaced in the summer.
He’s or captain. Not a punctured tyre. There are a number of ‘ first-team ‘ players I’d replace before him. So focus on them, get off his back and show a bit of respect.
I agree that there are a number of first team players needing replaced, but the one thing I am sure of is that Callum no longer controls games, especially against the Huns, and we seriously need to consider replacing him soon.