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The first Old Firm encounter is upon us already and like most people I can’t wait. It’s obviously too early to be a title decided but all the same, picking up the three points are vitally important.
As if this fixture needs any reason to fire it up, the Daily Record yesterday ran a story which will surely bring things to the boil. They asked simply – is Neil Lennon hated more than the taxman at Ibrox.
This story has infuriated Celtic, so much so that they are now boycotting Daily Record reporters. In the story, the reporter Keith Jackson said: ‘The mere sight of Lennon unites and inflames Rangers’ senses more than any other.’
Celtic in a statement said: ‘For this newspaper to treat the matter in this insensitive and ill-judged manner is astonishing.’
Well to jump on the bandwagon here. We will ask the question. Do you hate Neil Lennon more than the taxman? Vote in out poll on the right hand side.
Meanwhile, back to the game. Both teams have made a strong start to the season. Rangers have made the strongest start though and are unbeaten in their first six games. Rangers.
Only two of Rangers’ six games so far have been at home. The first was way back in July, a game where Rangers dropped their only points of the season so far in a 1-1 draw with Hearts.
Since then, Rangers have won five games on the trot, four of them away from home. And the most encouraging thing as well is that no goals have been conceded. The only goal we have conceded so far in the campaign was in the opening game against Hearts.
Celtic meanwhile have won five and lost one. The one game they lost was at home to St Johnstone. Thanks to Derek McInnes for that one.
Rangers Team News:
Rangers will be boosted at the return from injury for Nikica Jelavic, a key player up front. David Weir, Lee Wallace, Jamie Ness and Kyle Bartley are all out injured.
Lee McCulloch, Alejandro Bedoya and Sasa Papac have all been passed fit however.
Player to watch: Steven Naismith
Key player for Rangers.
Celtic Team News:
Scott Brown and Anthony Stokes are available after missing the Atletico Madrid game.
Celtic will also have Daniel Majstorovic and Badr El Kaddouri available.
Player to watch: Scott Brown
The player that Rangers fans love to hate.