It’s derby day in Glasgow on Sunday lunchtime as Sack The Manager FC welcome Sack The Board FC to Ibrox.
It’s expected to be a toxic atmosphere inside Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime, but unusually, the abuse in the stands could be directed at their own clubs instead of at each other.
Despite only 10 games into his reign, Russell Martin appears to be a dead man walking following his side's humiliating 6-0 at Brugge on Wednesday night on an evening where our man The Betting Desk landed a couple of winners.
Russell Martin has also failed to win any of his opening three Premiership fixtures of the season – three 1-1 draws – the first man to do so since John Greig in 1978, and it’s safe to say Martin doesn’t have the rapport with the fans as The Greatest Ever Ranger did.
Celtic also endured a humiliating night in Europe in midweek, as they were eliminated in their Champions League playoff tie by Kairat Almaty on penalties, following a pair of goalless draws, meaning they drop down to the Europa League, along with their Old Firm rivals.
However, unlike their hosts, Brendan Rodgers’ men have been efficient if not free-flowing domestically, winning each of their opening three Premiership matches, without conceding a goal.
How the bookies view it: Celtic favourites
Despite playing away from home, Celtic have been installed as favourites to win the first Old Firm derby of the season, with BoyleSports quoting The Hoops at 4/5.
The Gers are 11/5 to get their first Premiership win of the season, whilst the draw is 11/4.
Head to head: Gers unbeaten in three
Despite a disappointing trophy-less season, Rangers are unbeaten in each of their previous three meetings with Celtic, winning two of them.
The Hoops have won just one of their previous six trips to Ibrox, with Kyogo netting the only goal in September 2023.
Players to watch: Nygren to net?
Celtic fans have bemoaned the lack of investment in their club from the owners, with them failing to replace Kyogo and Kuhn, who have departed in the last couple of transfer windows.
One player that has arrived this summer is Benjamin Nygren from Nordsjaelland, and the Swede has made an instant impact, netting three goals in his past two Premiership appearances, and is an appealing 7/4 to score for a third consecutive league match.
Predicted line-ups:
Cyriel Dessers was back on the bench in Brugge in midweek, but understandably didn’t come on given the game state, although he may come in from the start to replace Danilo.
Brendan Rodgers appears to have a near fully-fit squad to choose from, with only long-term absentee Jota missing.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma, Rothwell, Raskin, Diomande, Gassama, Antman, Dessers
Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, Forrest, McGregor, Hataye, Nygren, Maeda, Idah
Anything else catch the eye?
In recent seasons, Celtic have been favourites for the majority of the Old Firm’s because they have been better than their rivals, but this time, it appears they are favourites because they aren’t as bad as their hosts.
There has been a severe lack of organisation, physicality, hunger and desire from Rangers under Martin, as well as being toothless offensively, and a complete and utter shambles defensively.
Celtic have been far from their free-flowing best this season, but they should take advantage of Rangers' defensive woes.
The Teddy Bears have started games lethargically under Martin, and an early Hoops goal could open the floodgates, meaning I’m happy to have a speculative punt on Celtic scoring two or more goals in the first half, which pays 3/1 at BoyleSports.
GambleAware