Rangers face Celtic this Sunday.
Rangers made a breakthrough last season, finally beating Celtic.
The victory over Celtic at Ibrox at the end of December was Rangers’ first victory over Celtic since winning promotion to the Scottish Premiership in 2016.
Rangers later followed this up by beating Celtic at the end of the season, but it was too late, with the title already wrapped up by Neil Lennon’s men.
This time around, Rangers need to try and ensure they beat Celtic in the first game between the two sides of the season.
Even a draw would be positive progress, but Rangers must look to win the game.
It is set up well for Steven Gerrard’s side, compared to their September meeting last season.
When Celtic won 1-0 at home in September 2018, the fixture calendar was on their side.
Celtic had home advantage, and they had just played a Europa League qualifying fixture at home, days earlier.
Rangers meanwhile had travelled to Russia for their Europa fixture, before heading to Celtic.
This season’s early clash has the roles reversed.
Rangers are at home against Legia on Thursday night, while Celtic travel to Sweden to face AIK.
The trip is not as long, but it is still extra travel time in the lead up to the game, which Rangers host at Ibrox.
Given these circumstances, Rangers will be terribly disappointed if they slip up and lose the game.
Rangers’ early fixtures against Celtic have not worked out well since their promotion. Their fans would rather forget the 5-1 humiliation in 2016.
Just perhaps, if Rangers can win this opening contest between the two rivals, they will be able to build some real momentum for a title challenge.
Defeat would be another bruising blow.
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