For the second game in a row, Rangers head over to the East of Glasgow to face their bitter rivals Celtic, and there is so much at stake in this game, especially for Rangers boss Alex McLeish.
Vital Quotes:
Rangers striker Steven Thompson:
‘I think a few of the boys enjoyed the fact that we got away for a few days to gather our thoughts and now we’re looking forward to the match after a week’s hard work.
Hopefully we can get our confidence back and go on and get the victory that we are all desperate to achieve.’
Celtic defender Mo Camara
‘Old Firm games will always be special,’ he said. ‘This game will be very hard for us and we need to keep working hard.
‘We aren’t looking at Rangers’ problems. It’s a big mistake if we think like that.
‘We have to impress in every game and it’s not easy so we just have to carry on the way we did last Wednesday and work even harder.’
Celtic Team News:
Celtic should be at full strength and should line up much the same as the League Cup game last week.
Player to watch: Shunsuke Nakamura
Rangers will need to keep an eye on the tricky midfielder and his silky skills.
Rangers Team News:
Rangers were dealt a blow with the news that defenders Olivier Bernard and Julien Rodriguez have both been ruled out with long term injuries.
However, Marvin Andrews is back from world cup duty and should take the place of Rodriguez.
Player to watch: Dado Prso
Best player for Rangers this season by miles.
Match Facts & Stats
Previous four games v Celtic at Celtic Park:
Wed 9.11.05, League Cup Cel 2 Ran 0
Sun 20.2.05, SPL Celt 0 Ran 2
Sun 9.1.05, Scottish Cup Cel 2 Ran 1
Sun 29.8.04, SPL Cel 1 Ran 0
Ref Watch:
Dougie McDonald – Not the worst referee out there.
Match Prediction:
I have to stay optimistic and predit a narrow Rangers win. I say 2-1 to us.
Next Fixtures:
Next 5 league games, home games in bold.
Sat 19.11.05 – Celtic
Sun 27.11.05 – Hibernian
Sat 3.12.05 – Falkirk
Sat 10.12.05 – Kilmarnock
Sun 17.12.05 – Hearts