Ibrox boss Michael Beale made the surprising admission he believes Celtic are playing at a higher level than his team.
However, he believes the Ibrox fans will be the ‘leveller’ on the day to stop Celtic in their tracks.
Beale is hoping the Ibrox atmosphere can get to the Scottish Champions. He may not remember because he had already hot footed it to Aston Villa, but Celtic went to Ibrox earlier in 2022 and managed to come away with a victory, even after going behind.
The Hoops have played in some incredible atmospheres and won’t be phased by the crowd at Ibrox. But Beale is banking on it spooking the Hoops players.
“I think at this moment time they’re playing at a higher level than us and everybody can see that.” Beale told the BBC.
“They’re in a good rhythm. This time last year we were six points in front of them so things can turn around with time, with good recruitment, with good training and with a feelgood factor around the club.
“That’s the aim. We need to go back to where we were and quickly but while we’re in that process, we need to keep winning games.
“The derby is a great leveller. They’ll come here to our fans who will be very buoyant.”
If that’s what he’s hanging his hopes on then Celtic should certainly make the trip across the city in no doubt the result is their for the taking.
Ange Postecoglou has his team drilled and most players who will take to the field have already sampled the Glasgow Derby atmosphere.
It promises to be a great occasion and an opportunity to put even more distance between themselves and second place.
Ange is not taking Celtic’s point advantage into consideration and will go there to win the game.
