This weekend will see the first Old Firm derby in the Scottish Premiership since 2012 with the two Glasgow sides sitting first and second in the table.
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers
After four long hard years, the Old Firm derby is finally back in the Scottish top flight as Celtic prepare to face bitter rivals Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday.
It’s the first time the Glasgow teams have met in the Scottish Premiership since Rangers’ liquidation and subsequent re-formation in the Scottish third tier. But after three promotions in four seasons, Mark Warburton’s side are back in the top flight and ready to challenge for a title.
Celtic fans may take issue with the derby being referred to as the Old Firm given the fact the Rangers side they will face this weekend is technically not the same one they faced four years ago – from a corporate perspective at least.
But nonetheless, it’s a match both sets of players, managers and fans will be desperate to win – so here are just three reasons why Celtic WILL beat Rangers this weekend:
Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths (R) celebrates scoring their third goal
1. The Griffiths-Sinclair effect
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is currently enjoying the form of his life for the Hoops with seven goals in nine matches already this season.
With 40 goals in all competitions last season, the Scottish international boasts one of the best scoring records in Europe, let alone Scotland and although he is a fitness concern, you’d expect him to make his mark this weekend in one way or another should he play.
Celtic’s Scott Sinclair in action with Hapoel Be’er-Sheva’s Ben Bitton
New recruit Scott Sinclair has also made an immidiate impact following his summer arrival from Championship club Aston Villa with three goals in three league matches so far.
All in all a notoriously slow and leaky Rangers defence could have their work cut out by these two players alone and money has it that the Hoops’ men will thrive on Saturday.
Rangers’ manager Mark Warburton
2. Rangers still in transition
Following their promotion, Rangers brought in 16 new players, many of which will be considered for Saturday’s match.
And while the likes of Niko Kranjcar and Joey Barton are decent players on their day, the Gers squad still requires time to gel.
While the Gers have made a positive start to the campaign, they haven’t been overly impressive and that is largely down to the overhaul that took place at Ibrox during the summer.
To play such a derby so early into the season will be a significant disadvantage for a Rangers side who are still getting to know each other.
Celtic huddle up before the game
3. Parkhead Atmosphere
As always with the Old Firm derby, the atmosphere is going to be absolutely electric particularly given the circumstances.
This is where Celtic’s home advantage comes into account as the fans will get behind the Hoops players and be hostile toward their opponents.
It is no doubt one of the most intimidating grounds to play at in world football, especially if you’re a Rangers player.
And while the Celtic players will be somewhat used to playing in such an environment, Rangers, whose side consists of new signings and players who have spent the past season playing in the Scottish second tier, could be slightly overcome by what the Celtic Park crowd has to throw at them.
Celtic fans
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