The upcoming game between Celtic and the Rangers could end up having major implications on the fate of the Scottish Premiership title. As things stand, the Hoops have a 6-point lead over the Ibrox side with just 4 more games to go. But with a Glasgow Derby still to be played, it is safe to say that there is still work to be done if they are to get over the line in the title race.

With Celtic enjoying a vastly superior goal difference over the Rangers, a win at Parkhead would virtually guarantee Ange Postecoglou’s side the Premiership title with three games to go. On the other hand, a defeat would make things very interesting. A draw would be much more favourite to the Hoops than their Glasgow rivals.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have the UEFA Europa League to worry about as well, after they lost 1-0 against RB Leipzig away in Germany. The second leg is just four days after this Glasgow Derby.

Thus, Van Bronckhorst will surely have a decision to make this weekend with regards to what kind of a approach his team will take against Celtic, with the chance to make a European final still up for grabs and the tie against RB Leipzig still very much in the balance despite their away defeat.

Celtic cannot afford to take the Rangers lightly this weekend

The last time that the two sides faced each other, in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, the Rangers were coming off of 120 minutes of football against SC Braga in the Europa League. Yet, on the day, they appeared to be more fresher than Celtic and put in the better performance, to go through to the final, ending the Hoops’ treble hopes.

Thus, Postecoglou’s side cannot afford to look towards what else the Rangers have on their plates and have to be prepared to face the best version of the Ibrox side.

Celtic have already got a couple of wins over the Rangers this season though and will know that they can get the better of Van Bronckhorst’s side on their day. The Parkhead advantage could play a deciding factor as well. But overall, this is expected to be a tight affair.

This article was originally posted here