McCulloch believes the momentum is with Rangers ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
Lee McCulloch has told Sky Sports that he believes the momentum is with Rangers ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash between the two sides at Parkhead, as Steven Gerrard meets Brendan Rodgers as his managerial rival for the first time.
Gerrard has taken to life at Ibrox since being a somewhat surprise appointment made by chairman Dave King, remaining unbeaten in his first 11 league and cup outings – drawing 3-3 at Fir Park with Motherwell on Sunday.
The Gers were seconds away from winning the match, only for Peter Hartley to bundle home a corner in injury time which added fuel to the fire following his pre-match comments about Fabio Cardoso.
Despite the late result, former Rangers captain McCulloch believes the momentum remains with Rangers as they look to finally beat Celtic for the first time since returning to the Scottish Premiership.
“I think the momentum is with Rangers,” McCulloch said. “Celtic Park is a very tough place to go. You need to be able to defend as a team, and I think Rangers have shown that this season.
“I think it will be very close, Brendan [Rodgers] has come out and admitted that the season is not up to Celtic’s standards. Both teams are in Europe, Rangers in Russia, but I don’t think anybody will be using that as an excuse.
“It’s a chance for each manager and all the new players to set out a statement of intent. Lets hope they both get through on Thursday, and give us a real good game on Sunday.”
Rangers and Celtic have played 11 times since the Gers returned to the top flight under Mark Warburton, with the Gers only managing two draws – losing all nine other meetings between the Old Firm sides.
But Gerrard has sorted out the Rangers defence and he will be hoping that the three goals conceded on Sunday are just a one off, after previously conceding just four goals in 10 games.
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