Former Rangers defender Gordan Petric thinks winning today’s Old Firm clash will give the Gers a “big advantage” over Celtic in the title race and insists success in the first meeting of the two sides each season is always ‘vital’.
Celtic make the short journey to Ibrox to take on the Scottish champions and Petric knows just how important it can be to win the first Old Firm of the campaign.
The Serbian defender thinks last season showed exactly the importance of winning the first Old Firm as he looked back on his own experiences in the derby.
“Derby results are vital if you want to win the league,” Petric told the Scottish Sun.
“Scotland is like Serbia, always two teams fighting for the league championship.
“If you don’t win the first game and find yourself behind, then it gives the opposition a big advantage.
“You saw that last season when Rangers got their noses in front, won the first Old Firm game — and then never looked back.
“I always felt it was vital to beat Celtic in the first game when I played. It just gives you early momentum and there is an importance to the win.”
With Rangers having had a string of Covid issues over the last week, there’s plenty at stake this afternoon at Ibrox.
Three points for Rangers would be a huge boost after a sluggish start to the campaign.
As the Light Blues look to push on and defend their title, three points this afternoon would really give Rangers the momentum and put the pressure on Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou.
For either side, two defeats from their opening four games would be a disaster – and Gerrard and Postecoglou will be well aware of what is at stake.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
