Every Glasgow Derby is massive for Celtic, but this one feels especially decisive.
Wilfried Nancy has issued a battle cry after a dismal defeat to Motherwell, and many feel that a win over Rangers will be essential if he is to turn it around.
Celtic’s January business is underway with the loan signing of Julian Araujo from Bournemouth, but there are still major question marks over Celtic’s personnel.
And despite Rangers having their worst start to a season in history under Russell Martin, they could draw level on points with the Hoops if they win today’s Derby.
It’s fair to say that the Hoops support isn’t unanimously positive, but former captain Paul Lambert still thinks they’re favourites.
The big one… Give us your predicitions for the Glasgow derby
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Celtic hero Paul Lambert on Glasgow Derby vs Rangers
Celtic drew the reverse fixture 0-0 at Ibrox, with two different managers in charge of the clubs that day.
In the Premier Sports Cup semi-final in November, Martin O’Neill guided the Hoops to an extra time victory.
READ MORE: Celtic recall highly-rated youngster from Partick Thistle loan
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That game feels like more than two months ago though, given how much has changed since then.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Lambert had a message for fans attending at Celtic Park today, encouraging them to do one thing.
He said: “The only concern I’ve got at Celtic, probably, is that I hope the crowd stay with them.
“You’ve probably seen it… one bad pass and everyone wants you off. That’s the difference with being a Celtic or Rangers player. You can’t really make a mistake.
“If the Celtic lads get nervous with the crowd on them, then it becomes a bit more difficult. So hopefully the crowd stay with them.
“I think Celtic are favourites. Slight favourites. They just need to get their form right.
“The new manager has just come in, he’s got every right to say what he wants to say – but at Celtic, you can’t lose. You can’t lose. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against – you can’t lose.
“I think they have to win this one. It will keep the wolves away from the door for a little bit longer.”
Should Julian Araujo be thrown straight in for a debut against Rangers?
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Celtic under Wilfried Nancy so far
Nancy’s first four games couldn’t have really gone much worse.
In a start unprecedented in Celtic history, he lost against Hearts, Roma, St Mirren and Dundee United, facing calls for the sack after just a fortnight in the job.
The 48-year-old seemingly found his feet with wins over Aberdeen and Livingston, but this week was always going to be a different kettle of fish.
And with the defeat to Motherwell, Nancy couldn’t really be under more early pressure ahead of his first Glasgow Derby.
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