OPINION
John Hartson implied there was less pressure on Celtic compared to Rangers when it comes to the upcoming Old Firm derby.
The Hoops legend pointed out that his former side were looking firmly on course to win the league once again and as a result there just wasn’t the same pressure on them as the Gers to get a result.
“I said at the start of the season that Celtic would win the title by at least 15 points and they are pretty firmly on course to do that,” wrote Hartson in the Glasgow Evening Times.
“I also think that going into the game against Rangers straight after the international break there just isn’t the same pressure on Celtic to have to go and get a result.”
While Hartson is spot-on with his verdict on Celtic ahead of the Old Firm derby, it shows how the club could play right into Rangers’ hands.
Steven Gerrard will be feeling the pressure to deliver a win in the upcoming clash with the Hoops as that is the only way he can appease the supporters who are questioning him after Rangers crashed out of the Scottish Cup.
This means the manager will be motivating his Gers team to throw everything they have at the Hoops and if Celtic don’t have their foot fully down on the pedal, it could give the archrivals the opportunity they need.
While the Hoops have been in terrific form results wise lately, some of their performances, see their display in the 1-0 win over Dundee, haven’t been up to scratch.
If Celtic go into the game not feeling the same pressure of the Gers then they’re at risk of losing another Old Firm derby and that attitude is exactly the one their opponents need them to have in order to spring a surprise.