There will be no love lost in the fourth and final Old Firm of the season when Celtic face off against Rangers.
The momentum pendulum appears to have swung towards the weekend hosts at Parkhead, who hold a three-point advantage at the top of the league over Rangers. Philippe Clement’s side were smelling blood last time out in this fixture but a draw, then a defeat to Ross County and stalemate with Dundee, has left title hopes in flux.
Now a Celtic win in Glasgow’s east-end would all but seal glory for boss Brendan Rodgers, with a six-point lead and better goal difference with two games to go. The pundits have had their say on which way this going.
Multiple key factors are at play and decisive verdicts will be delivered - with one even going as far as rolling out the sacking theories ahead of next season. Here are what 17 pundits think of the weekend clash at Celtic Park.
5. Barry Ferguson (Go Radio)
"Rangers need to make sure Callum McGregor is facing back to Joe Hart EVERY time he gets the ball. And if he does turn you, take a foul." | Getty Images
6. Simon Donnelly
“Brendan Rodgers has received a bit of stick throughout the season on the back of two really successful seasons under Ange, his team’s been criticised and their style of play. But they’re three points ahead. Regardless of winning on goal difference or by one point, it’ll go down in history and it’ll be the same if Rangers win it (the league). We’ll not be here quibbling over dropped points here, there and everywhere. ‘We were leading by seven points then they were leading it’, it’ll be who wins the title." Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
7. Graeme Souness
“I thought they (Rangers) were a bit unlucky in the game (the 2-1 defeat in December). They were down to 10 men for a long time yet could have got something from the game. This is not just about this weekend. It’s about getting over the line in the league – and this is a big step towards it. There could still be slip ups somewhere else. It’s not easy to win titles. Celtic have been the dominant team in the last couple of years since Steven Gerrard won the title. They have the bit between their teeth and you have to say Rangers are underdogs. They have to deal with that and get on with it. They need to focus, not get sidetracked but anything that goes on, and turn up and play on the day.” | Getty Images
8. Frank McAvennie
"It’s a big game all right. Listen, Clement could still end up winning a Treble if he wins on Saturday then beats Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final two weeks later. On the other hand, he hasn’t won against Celtic yet. If he were to lose those next two derbies it would be three defeats and a draw against them on his record. And if Clement gets off to a poor start next season – failing to get into the Champions League and losing the first Old Firm game – he could be gone.” | Getty Images