Chris Sutton believes Celtic face a tough afternoon at Ibrox and says the wider title picture makes the stakes even higher.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, the former Hoops striker pointed to Rangers’ domestic form under Danny Rohl as a key factor. Results have steadied. Performances have tightened up. Ibrox has become a difficult place to visit again.
Celtic, meanwhile, are trying to close a gap that has grown over recent weeks. Hearts’ win on Saturday has stretched the lead at the top. Celtic do have games in hand, but that only matters if they turn them into points. Dropping anything here would add pressure.
Motherwell’s position adds another twist. They sit just behind Celtic and have taken points consistently. This is no longer a straight two-team chase. It is crowded, and that changes how you view a derby.
Sutton said: (Sky Sports), “Well in truth I think it’d be difficult for Celtic to beat Rangers today.
“The form Rangers have been in domestically under Danny Rohl has been impressive.
“When you look at Hearts winning yesterday, seven points clear at the top, and Celtic sitting nine behind them with a couple of games in hand, today is absolutely massive.
“I know Kris (Boyd) thinks the loser of today’s game is out of the title race, but you’ve also got Motherwell who have been the best team in Scotland this season and are a point behind Celtic.
“There are so many permutations. It’s the most interesting title race we’ve had for years.”
Sutton is right about how many ways this can swing. If Rangers win, they put real daylight between themselves and Celtic.
If Celtic win, the gap shrinks and the mood flips in a heartbeat. A draw keeps both in the hunt, but it might be Hearts or even Motherwell who smile at that.
Out on the pitch, it will come down to who gets a grip of midfield. Rangers will look to move it forward early and feed off the crowd. Celtic have to stay calm when that press comes and avoid cheap turnovers. An early goal changes the tone straight away.
The table looks clear enough this morning. By full-time it could feel very different. That is why this is more than just another derby.
