The Old Firm derby returns today as Rangers welcome bitter rivals Celtic to Ibrox, live on Sky Sports 1 from 12.30pm.
With seven points and a game in hand separating the sides, there has been the usual controversy in the build up with Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor battered black and blue in Glasgow's City centre whilst the Celtic fans famous paranoia has reared its ugly head once again with certain members of the Hoops brigade accusing match officials of doing all they can to keep Rangers in business whilst some believe Rangers match against St Johnstone was called off last week to give the champions a much needed rest.
What ever side of the fence you sit, one thing is for sure - when both sets of players emmerge from the tunnel to the sound of Tina Turner's 'Simply the best' the time for talk will be over as two of the fiercest rivals in World football go head to head.
The Blue half of the City have the upper hand this season, taking four points from the two previous meetings between the sides but Tony Mowbray’s men know their title dreams will be all but over with failure to leave Govan with a win.
The Bhoys away form has been nothing short of woeful this season with four defeats and nineteen goals conceded piling the pressure on the manager and the men who appointed him.
Rangers on the other hand remain undefeated at home in the league as Walter Smith aims to turn Ibrox into the fortress it once was. I believe wily old Walter holds the key to success here and his valuable Old Firm experience should be the deciding factor.
The Light Blues have been unable to add any new signings for well over a year due to crippling debts but there is an unquestionable togetherness about the squad whilst over at Celtic Park, Mowbray continues to tinker with a defence that have leaked a total of twenty-eight goals from just twenty-five outings.
It was December 2008 the last time Celtic left Ibrox with maximum points but the vast majority of those players have since moved on and although everyone connected with Rangers would be overjoyed with a draw, I fancy the Gers to place one hand on the league trophy at 13/10 (Bet365).
With the away defence ravaged by injury, Kenny Miller getting on the score sheet appeals at 11/5 (Coral).
