The Old Firm match on December 29th is going to be colossal – but it’s no title-decider.
Every Glasgow derby between the pair is a huge contest. Rangers’ loss at Parkhead was a cruel blow to Steven Gerrard and a harsh reality of the job in store for him at Ibrox. Revenge would therefore be sweet for the Govan outfit at the end of the year.
Many have been outlining the importance of the fixture ahead of the meeting. But for those saying it’s a title-decider? Just where does that idea even come from?
First of all, there are two further Old Firm matches still to be played this season. There are more points up for grabs in those two matches than there is in this clash in December.
Whilst winning would provide the winner with some decent momentum, it’s not a case of win or bust for either side. If Rangers win, it pulls them closer to Celtic. If the gaps remains at two points, then it would leap them above Brendan Rodgers’ side by a point. Should we therefore say the league is over and that’s that then?
If Celtic win, they would go five points clear. With a huge second half of the season still to go, titles have been lost by a lot more points than that.
The picture could change come kick-off
Of course, the December schedule as a whole could shake the title-picture into a different image come the Old Firm match. Rangers could already be ahead of Celtic, or the Parkhead side could be further in front of Gerrard’s men. Absolutely nothing points to this being anything other than an important three points, however.
A win would symbolise so much in importance for Rangers as a club. It would provide them that release of Old Firm success once more, and would be a proper sign that they are getting closer to Rodgers’ side.
Would it win them the title? Far from it. Both sides of the Old Firm have been known in the past to slip up just one or two games after beating their old rivals. The term “title-decider” is thrown about often, but very rarely does it actually mean what it states.
Rangers will be going out to prove a point to their Glasgow rivals and vice versa. Both sides know the importance of three points and how a victory will give them the bragging rights.
It’s a date that every football fan in Glasgow looks forward to – the Christmas/New Year derby.
It’s going to go a long way to telling us about just how close the sides are. Will it win anyone the league? Not by a long shot.
