David Provan has claimed in The Scottish Sun that Steven Gerrard’s Rangers will not be “right at it” for the Old Firm derby against Celtic.
Celtic will take on Rangers at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon.
The Gers have already won the league title, ending the Hoops’ hopes of making it 10 in a row.
Celtic legend Provan does not think that Rangers will be at their best against the Bhoys.
Provan wrote in The Scottish Sun: “If Old Firm games are won by the side that needs it most, the smart money should be on Celtic. Rangers’ work for the season is done.
“Mentally, they’d have hit the off switch when going out of Europe on Thursday. I don’t see Steven Gerrard’s team being right at it for this one.
“Hard to explain, but playing out fixtures after the title has been clinched is an anti-climax. Different if there was a proper crowd at Celtic Park, but the echo chamber won’t do anything for the game.
“Rangers have had a draining week. From the euphoria of the previous weekend, they went straight into a demanding Europa League tie.
“By contrast, Celtic have had all week to prepare. With more rest and home advantage, there are no excuses for John Kennedy’s side.”
Unbeaten record
Rangers have won the league title, and it must be said that it has been a great season for Gerrard’s team.
The Ibrox club also reached the Round of 16 of the Europa League this season.
The Gers are still unbeaten in the league, and they will want to end the campaign without losing a single game.
Celtic will not make it easy for Rangers today, but one suspects that Gerrard will want his players to give their all and win at the home of their bitter rivals.
Old Firm derbies are always a great occasion, and today’s match should be a cracker.
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