OPINION
Sunday’s Old Firm derby has a slightly different feel to the one’s that have taken place over the last couple of seasons – and it is up to Celtic to silence their noisy neighbours.
It seems like Steven Gerrard’s Rangers team feel as though they have a real chance of winning, while Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have endured a torrid transfer window and Champions League humiliation to start the season.
Despite that, the Hoops remain above Gers in the Scottish Premier League table heading into this one, although both teams are lagging behind Hearts at this early stage.
The Bhoys will have to put out a strong side to secure victory, and that involves taking a few risks to ensure Gerrard and his men are put to the sword.
Those risks are Odsonne Edouard and Tom Rogic, both of whom have been struggling with injuries of late.
Edouard, the club’s record signing, declared himself fit recently and must be played from the start – Leigh Griffiths up front on his own is not enough to scare Rangers but together they can form a potent threat.
Rogic has been playing with a knee injury that’s affected his hamstring, and recently pulled out of the Australia squad. However, he didn’t feature against Suduva despite being on the bench, and again he must be involved from the off at Parkhead.
The defence picks itself. Kristoffer Ajer has become a key players for the Bhoys, while Dedryck Boyata remains the club’s finest centre back. Mikael Lustig is the only real option at right back, and Kieran Tierney should cause Rangers problems going forward.
Scott Brown will relish getting his teeth into Gerrard’s side, while James Forrest and Olivier Ntcham will be expected to contribute to the team’s attacking efforts.