Rangers players shouldn’t need any extra motivation to play Celtic.
Especially – as will be the case next weekend – when the advantage in the title race is on the line.
Whilst Celtic go into the game as league leaders, the Gers can topple them to take a two point lead with victory whilst a few days later Philippe Clement’s men head to Dundee.
It’s a potential five point swing in Rangers’ favour and with only six games to go after the trip to Dens Park, securing two victories would be a big step closer to the trophy.
What’s more with the match being at Ibrox – without a Celtic fan in sight – an increasingly on-form Rangers are very well placed to go out and deliver.
But just when you thought that this Rangers team didn’t need any more motivation to go out and prove their title credentials, up step the Celtic supporters.
Celtic “ready” for Rangers challenge
Overcoming a fraught first half to comfortably defeat Livingston 3-0, travelling Celtic fans were clipped chanting “bring on the Rangers” at full-time.
Any Ibrox player watching this ought to be feeling the fire burn a little brighter in their belly and if it’s Rangers they want, let’s hope it’s Rangers they get.
With the Ibrox side’s forward options coming back at just the right time of the season, Rangers go into the match against their Old Firm rivals feeling good with a point to prove.
Celtic meanwhile have steadied the ship after some stuttering form and assistant manager John Kennedy responded “I think we are” when asked if his side are “ready” for Rangers next weekend.
Let’s just wait and see, shall we?
Do Gers have guts for Old Firm battle?
Given what is potentially at stake this season, it is hard to remember such a hotly anticipated league Old Firm match.
The last time a proper title race went to the wire was back in 2011 and 13 years on the nerves are starting to jangle ahead of the run-in.
Cocky chants from the stands and brazen confidence from within the Celtic camp must be met with authority and action from the Rangers team.
Having mouthed off after the last derby win, it’s clear Celtic are refusing to recognise the reality of Rangers’ challenge and this match could change all that.
Celtic have also won both Old Firm derbies to date this season, winning 1-0 at Ibrox before defeating a 10-man Rangers 2-1 at Celtic Park, so there are some questions needing answered by Philippe Clement’s team.
As a result Celtic certainly seem a confident bunch heading into this match.
How much sweeter it will be then, when Rangers break their hearts.
