Celtic, whether we like it or not, are on an impressive run of form. Since September 2021 they have lost just one league fixture, against St Mirren earlier this season. During the same period we have only lost once to a team outside of the Old Firm derby.
The debate about the strength of Scottish football is for another day, they are on track for a records point total and we are on course to finish with enough points that would have won the league in all but two of the last ten seasons.
It’s easy to see why opposition managers might not fancy their chances against Rangers, however, Lee Johnson reckons that his side have more than enough to cause us problems, as reported by Football Scotland:
“Rangers will be a tough game but we are in a place where we truly believe we can get something. We carry a threat and they will have to be aware of our threats.
“I genuinely feel like we can have a go at them and make it uncomfortable for them. I’m excited about the game.
“I’m not being disrespectful to Rangers because you’ve got to get a balance between showing them respect and showing them what you’re about. Hopefully that first 20 minutes will be electric.
“It would be huge if we can beat Rangers because it would be a statement to ourselves that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Compare and contrast this with his comments after Celtic’s recent visit to Easter Road where the Hibs gaffer all but conceded that it is pointless turning up after seeing 4-0 as a half decent result:
“I actually feel really positive, I really do. I think Celtic will end up scoring 10 against someone this year.
“I really do. I think there will be a double figures match. I think they are a top, top team. I thought in spells we genuinely did well.”
Michael Beale has overseen a consistent run of positive results even if we are still conceding too many soft goals and gifted the league cup to our bitter rivals but our performances, other than Hearts at Tynecastle, haven’t quite hit the heights that the fans demand just yet.
We need to be more convincing if we are to strike the same fear into our opponents before a ball is kicked but, what will be interesting, is how Johnson approaches the next time his side faces Celtic, a game that is just around the corner.
There’s no doubt that teams, anecdotally, try harder against Rangers because there is an underlying belief that they can get something from the game. Don’t believe me, just keep an eye on how different Johnson’s pre-match presser is against Celtic next time they play.