Celtic fans are usually a confident bunch, but many are worried about Saturday’s clash against Rangers FC.
The Old Firm is only three days away, and although fans are not allowed to enter the stadium, Glasgow remains a city divided in two by the fervent passion for both Rangers and Celtic.
Both teams enter this game with the same amount of pressure, but for different reasons. Rangers aim to spoil the 10IAR party for their rivals Celtic, and Neil Lennon’s side hope to avoid the “team that that almost made history” label.
The empty stadium, COVID testing, and injuries make Saturday’s notable derby all the more difficult to predict. Steven Gerrard needs his key men to be at their best in order to stand a chance against Celtic.
His counterpart at Celtic Park knows his team has lost three of the last five league clashes against Rangers, and Lennon would be in the hot seat if Celtic go four points behind the Light Blues in Matchweek 11.
The pressure to perform rests on the shoulders of both sets of players and managers, but what are Celtic fans saying ahead of Saturday’s massive game? The statements below were made by Celtic fans in the TalkCeltic forum.
“Covid cases have me more concerned than I would normally be, but we’re still capable of a win.”
”I’d certainly take a draw in this fixture what with the players available. If we lose, all is not lost but we’ll need to be heck of a consistent v the rest!”
“I really do not know what to expect from us which is very concerning. We have been getting results but with not great performances.”
“0-0”
”3-0. Ajeti first. Griff next 2.”
”Weirdly confident.. Think we’ll find a way to win.”
”There’s been games against them in recent years where we have pretty much known we were going to win, in all honesty its not the case anymore.”
“I’m not as confident as the past few seasons.”
“I’ll admit, this is probably the least confident I’ve been going into a game against them since their inception.”
Mixed Feelings
Celtic fans are not as confident as they were in years past when this derby would pop up on the calendar. Some optimism is noted in the comments shared above, but a fear that inconsistency could kick in is also present.
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Aside from their hiccup against Livingston (0-0), Rangers have been in fine form this season, and their performances have been impressive in recent weeks. Celtic are handling business as well, but not in convincing style.
Saturday’s game could go either way with both teams boasting dynamic players that can be difference-makers. It remains to be seen how things will play out, but it is refreshing to see some caution among Celtic supporters.