Old Firm
This weekend’s Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers looks like it will be pivotal in deciding the destination of the Scottish Premier league title.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has recently come under pressure as before this weekend the reigning champions had went four games without a win.
However at Almondvale last Sunday, Celtic ran out 3-0 winners against a Gretna side who are in the midst of an administration battle.
Pressure
The Celtic manager said: "I'm really looking forward to it," he said when asked about the forthcoming visit to Ibrox. These games are a mental and physical test. If you are not prepared they will chew you up and spit you out."
Rivals Rangers go into the second Old Firm match of the season with a three point lead over Celtic and have the advantage of having played a game less.
However, there could be a fixture pile-up for Rangers due to their continued involvement in the Uefa Cup, Scottish Cup and two outstanding SPL matches which may swing the advantage back to Celtic in the title race.
Defence of title
Celtic defender Gary Caldwell is looking forward to the derby and is confident that his Celtic side can successfully defend their league title.
Caldwell said: “"We set out to win the league at the start of the season and I'm sure we'll do it. We have to cut the gap and put the pressure on, so we will be going all out to win the game."
A win for Rangers would see them open up a six-point lead at the top of the SPL table, so a Celtic win is not a complete must according to the big centre half.
Excitement
Caldwell continued: "There are a lot of games to play and there are still two Old Firm games at Parkhead remaining. It's going to be an exciting race and Saturday is going to be a big game. We've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I'm sure we can take it. It is always important to win when you play for Celtic and in the Old Firm games especially, that's where you will be judged as a Celtic player."
Since Walter Smith returned to Ibrox as the Rangers manager last year, Celtic and boss Gordon Strachan has lost all three matches against their old firm rivals.
But no matter what the players and management think - this weekend’s Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers will be pivotal in deciding the destination of the Scottish Premier league title.
