Old Firm Derby: Key Questions for Celtic Ahead of the Clash
The first Old Firm derby of the season presents an opportunity to assert dominance, enhance team morale, and claim local bragging rights.
Historically, Celtic has seized this opportunity with enthusiasm. However, this season has not unfolded as expected for both Celtic and their city rivals, Rangers.
Entering this fiercely contested match, both teams find themselves in frustrating situations, with more jeers than cheers marking the beginning of their campaigns.
Despite holding a six-point lead over Russell Martin's Rangers, Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers and the club's board will feel the pressure, particularly from the away supporters at Ibrox this Sunday.
What are the critical questions for Celtic as they prepare to face Rangers?
Is This a Must-Win Derby for Rodgers?
If this question had been asked a year ago, Celtic supporters would have laughed it off. Up until the end of the previous year, Rodgers boasted an impressive record against Rangers, with only one defeat in 20 derbies.
The last season began similarly, with a straightforward 3-0 victory in the league, and Celtic triumphed over their rivals in the League Cup final via penalties. However, recent results have not gone in their favor.
With two defeats and a draw in their last three meetings, Celtic has not managed to secure a victory over Rangers in 90 minutes since September 1, 2024. One win in the last five encounters makes it difficult to argue that this match is not crucial.
How can Celtic reverse this trend? Rodgers insists that it is "not rocket science." He stated, "Play well and play without fear," during a comprehensive and candid press conference. "We have won most of our games against Rangers by focusing on our performance rather than getting caught up in the hype."
Is Everyone at the Club 'Connected'?
In the same press conference, Rodgers addressed suggestions of disconnection within the club, claiming they "couldn't be further from the truth." The atmosphere has shifted once again.
Rodgers has recently expressed frustration over the lack of transfer activity, yet he reassured fans that he and the board are "connected." He emphasized, "We have a board of directors who are deeply committed to the club's success. Everyone here shares a passion for Celtic and desires the best for the club."
While Rodgers and the board may be aligned, the sentiment among supporters appears to be less harmonious.
Will There Be More Comings or Goings Before Kick-Off?
From an outsider's perspective, the discontent within various club factions stems from the limited number of signings made. Since the pre-season began in early July, Rodgers has hoped for high-quality players to arrive before key milestones, including the first league game and the Champions League play-off.
Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren are notable exceptions, while the timing of winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha's arrival—after Celtic's confirmation as a Europa League participant—was somewhat unusual. This topic has become a recurring theme for both Rodgers and the supporters.
Rodgers remarked, "It’s a trend that Celtic tends to conduct business late in the transfer window. It’s not about investment; the club will invest, but it’s about timely investment, which we need to focus on."
Currently, the club is in a reactive position. While Rodgers confirmed that Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi is "in the building," he also noted interest in Adam Idah, who Swansea City has reportedly agreed to a fee for. However, he stressed that "no one can leave unless we secure replacements."
Rodgers is "pretty sure" the club will be "busy" before the transfer window closes on Monday, and he also mentioned that winger Yang Hyun-jun has attracted interest.
What Will Rodgers' Team Look Like on Sunday?
Kasper Schmeichel, Anthony Ralston... No, we won’t predict the entire lineup. However, Rodgers did mention that Ralston, who pushed through injury during the game against Kairat Almaty, did not train but "should be okay tomorrow."
With Alistair Johnston out for 12 weeks, Ralston and promising academy player Colby Donovan are competing for the right-back position, although the imminent signing of Saracchi could also fill that role.
Yang was selected to play wide against Kairat Almaty following a strong performance in the first leg, but he struggled to replicate that form in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, Balikwisha has maintained his fitness during his time with Royal Antwerp, and Rodgers believes he is "ready-made" to play.
This match could mark a debut for Balikwisha or potentially a farewell for Idah, who made headlines with a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final just a year ago. Although Idah's form has dipped since then, Sunday presents another chance for a Celtic player to etch their name in the club's history.