Donnelly and Ferguson deliver verdict on Celtic showdown against Rangers

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Rangers travel away from Ibrox across Glasgow to Parkhead to face Celtic on Saturday.

Simon Donnelly has told Betsafe that he expects his old side Celtic to earn a fourth consecutive three points against Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead on Saturday.

The bitter rivals go head to head in the Scottish Premiership clash in a lunchtime kick-off at Parkhead, with the Hoops expected to take all three points and extend their lead over Rangers to 14 points.

However, the Gers stopped a run of two defeats by earning a 2-0 win over Motherwell on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Danny Wilson and Alfredo Morelos, and Graeme Murty will be hoping his side can gain some momentum.

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson also expects Celtic to win and would be willing to take a draw as a Rangers fan, while Donnelly has claimed that Rodgers will start with French 21-year-old Moussa Dembele up front.

Donnelly: “I think they’ll bounce back after the upset at Tynecastle,” the former Celt said. “Three professional wins since without conceding a goal, I expect them to kick on and get the three points.

“I think Dembele will come in and start, Rodgers always back Dembele in the big occasions.”

Ferguson: “I’m nervous for the simple fact that last week’s performance against Kilmarnock. I was shocked. Murty has asked his players to show desire and determination, well it’s about time they do it because it’s a Celtic team at Celtic Park.

“Form goes out the window and I hope it is the case. I’d be happy enough with a point, it’s pushing it to tip Rangers.”

Leigh Griffiths started Celtic’s last outing and scored in a 2-0 win over Dundee on Boxing Day, but Rodgers has tended to start former Fulham striker Dembele in the big games.

Celtic remain unbeaten against Rangers since the Light Blues finally regained a place in the top tier of Scottish football, with the Gers only drawing once in seven games. However, that 1-1 draw in March was under the guidance of Murty.

Three points for Rangers could see them climb above Aberdeen in second place if the Dons lose to Hearts at Pittodrie, while Celtic could extend their lead to 11 points over Derek McInnes’ side with a win.