Derby day in Glasgow always hangs on a knife’s edge. Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers have emphasized this crucial point in their press conferences, aware of the significance of securing a win at Ibrox when the fierce rivals clash once more. With just one point and one goal separating them in the standings, the Premiership title race is as tight as ever this season.
The upcoming match could be a game-changer, especially considering Rangers have a game in hand against Dundee. A win at Ibrox would propel them two points clear at the top, setting them up for a potential five-point gap with a subsequent win at Dens Park. On the other hand, a victory for Celtic would offer some breathing space, even if their opponents secure the three points in their extra fixture.
The burning questions leading into the match revolve around key players and tactical battles. Will Callum McGregor feature for Celtic, providing his invaluable experience against Rangers? Can Cyriel Dessers finally break his goal drought against the Hoops and make an impact in the crucial fixture? The duel between Reo Hatate and John Lundstram promises to be intriguing, with the Japanese star eager to showcase his talent against his more experienced counterpart.
Moreover, the managerial battle adds another layer of complexity to the game. Both coaches will be looking to outwit each other tactically, potentially making crucial in-game decisions that could sway the outcome in their favor. As fans eagerly anticipate the matchup, the stage is set for an intense and closely contested derby day in Glasgow.
That might be the deciding factor during the match.
Could the ambiance have an impact? The absence of away supporters in the stadium is a significant game-changer for the home team, or at least you would assume so. Last September, it didn’t matter when Kyogo scored the winning goal to an uncelebrated response from the Celtic fans. However, the current scenario is quite different from that time, with Clement uniting the fans and the team and everyone rallying behind a common goal.
This, combined with their current form, is likely to further energize the fans, making it a raucous and intense day for Celtic.