The first meeting of the Old Firm happens tomorrow, as Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox. Both teams have 9 points out of 9.
Rangers are in the midst of a huge weekend of matches and have passed the first test. Defeating Legia Warsaw 1-0 at Ibrox on Thursday to put them into the Europa League group stages. Now comes the second test, as they host Celtic at Ibrox.
Both Rangers and Celtic have played three games in the Scottish Premiership and have each gotten all 9 points out of their possible 9. Celtic are currently top of the table on goal difference.
While Rangers have had two of their three games, Kilmarnock and St Mirren, be very tight games that were decided by just one goal, Celtic have yet to be even remotely challenged in the Premiership.
Both clubs have also played the same number of European and Cup matches so far, so there shouldn’t be a notable difference in terms of fatigue, although it would appear that Rangers are healthier after a pair of Celtic players took knocks last week.
With a victory, either side could pull a real lead in the table. Since both clubs have already pulled well clear of the rest of the league, there isn’t much question that it will be a two-team race already.
Rangers won both matches vs Celtic at Ibrox last season, and generally look like a team that is a poor matchup for Celtic. Ranger’s capability to defend in a siege and then bust out into the counter-attack gives Celtic issues.
While there is a ton of season left, this match will certainly set the tone going forward and if Rangers want to be serious about winning the league they must get a result here.