Rangers prepare for the visit of Old Firm rivals Celtic with at least one side losing their perfect start by the time they leave Govan.
For Rangers, everyone has been speaking about how big a chance this is to lay down a title marker.
For Celtic, this is about showing they can actually compete at Ibrox after two pretty resounding defeats in the southside last season.
Rangers – for the first time since post-2012 – have been installed as the favourites for the tie.
That’s something Celtic boss Neil Lennon may take umbrage with, but it’s also something Steven Gerrard won’t let affect his team’s preparations.
You get the impression that this Rangers side will have their feet planted firmly on the ground before, during and after this match.
This is why there’s a quiet confidence about Rangers heading into this game. Granted, it’s not so quiet from some quarters.
The Ibrox club can win this game if they show up and impose themselves on Celtic, who clearly struggle without their supporters in the fierce atmosphere.
But as much as Rangers have a title statement to make, so do Celtic. They will want to show that they’ll not give this title up without a fight.
It promises to be one of the most memorable Old Firm derbies of recent times. And if we can come out on top, just how big will that three-point lead prove in the coming months?
As for the side, it pretty much picks itself at this point. Expect Gerrard to go with those figures he can trust for a performance, with cult hero Niko Katic continuing in the centre back berth.
Barry Ferguson has spoken about the importance of that midfield three of Jack, Davis and Aribo [Daily Record]
Up front, you imagine Arfield and Ojo will start (although Jones is in with a shout) whilst Alredo Morelos will surely get the chance to silence the Celtic support once and for all.
The only change from Thursday comes at left-back – expect Flanagan to come in for Barisic.
Is this predicted XI for Sunday’s Old Firm the strongest one Rangers can put out?
