After a tumultuous week at Ibrox Stadium, Rangers have been handed a massive chance to swing momentum in the Scottish Premiership back towards Govan by Old Firm rivals Celtic.
The Parkhead club and their supporters are hot on the heels of league leaders Rangers and after the Ibrox side dropped points in their third game in four at Ibrox in midweek, the pressure was beginning to mount.
As Steven Gerrard’s side were coming back from 2-0 down to rescue a point against Aberdeen, Celtic were convincingly thumping notoriously tricky Edinburgh rivals Hibs at Easter Road.
It had plenty claiming that not only was the title race very much on, but that Rangers were on the verge of capitulation. But for the help of referees.
Heading into this weekend – with Rangers to travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell and Celtic hosting Livingston – the Parkhead side had the chance to go top for at least just under 24 hours.
But the Parkhead club crumbled under the pressure as they failed to beat 10-man Livingston in a drab 0-0 draw at Celtic Park where the side also missed a late penalty.
Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis fluffed his lines after Ayo Obileye was controversially sent off for a clash with Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Japanese striker made a meal of an off-the-ball clash with the Livingston defender giving the referee a decision to make.
This came after Livi were denied what appeared a solid penalty shout after an outrushing Joe Hart completely missed the ball and clattered Ayo Obileye following a Livi cross.
So much for masonic conspiracies then, eh?
But not even the all-seeing eye of the Lanarkshire Referees Association could be used as an excuse for the Parkhead club as they fluffed their lines and handed the Gers a huge chance v Motherwell.
Questions have inevitably been asked about this Celtic side’s mental strength after they missed the opportunity to go top and pile the pressure on Rangers.
But now the Scottish Champions must show their own mental fortitude for the trip to Motherwell and re-establish a four-point lead at the top of the division.
Here’s our predicted XI for the match as we back Steven Gerrard to make four changes at Fir Park this afternoon.
