CELTIC are potentially just five games away from another Treble.
While Barry Ferguson is only four games into his career as Rangers boss.
Callum McGregor has been ruled out of the clash at Celtic Park[/caption]
There will be 2,400 notable attendees in the away corner at Celtic Park[/caption]
Three points are at stake but with the Hoops all but certain of retaining the Premiership title, perhaps this one is more about bragging rights and pride.
It’s also the first time in years that TWO sets of fans will be at an Old Firm league derby.
And in terms of matters on the field there is huge doubt over the availability of Auston Trusty, with forgotten man Maik Nawrocki in line for a shock rare start. Callum McGregor has also dropped out with a calf issue.
New nets have been hoisted around the away corner at Celtic Park – a pre-requisite from both teams to maintain safety for visiting supporters.
And champions elect Celtic are looking to bring the curtain down on another title triumph too – but then need to defeat their rivals to do it before the split.
Brendan Rodgers‘ team boast a 16-point lead in the table and could be mathematically declared champions in Perth on April 6 if they win all their remaining matches.
Lose to Barry Ferguson – who as a player boasts a 14-7-19 record in this fixture – and they have to wait until at least the middle of next month to re-capture their trophy.
Ferguson will be keen to impress the incoming 49ers group of his own boss credentials after an impressive display against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
And it’s fair to say that was the first of three consecutive games which will truly determine if his interim managerial appointment has been a success or not.
With the added spice of an away support it’s all adding up to be a thriller and, with just a few days to go – the countdown is certainly on.
Sunsport has all the build-up, in-play updates and post-match analysis from the top team online and in print – and we’ll have all the latest from the big game whether you’re watching at Celtic Park, behind the net curtain or on TV.
What time does Celtic v Rangers kick off?
- Celtic host Rangers TODAY, March 16.
- The match kicks off at 12.30pm UK time.
- It will be held at Celtic Park.
- The match referee is Steven McLean.
What TV channel is the Old Firm derby on? Can I live stream it?
- Sky Sports will show the Glasgow rivals going head to head for their fourth encounter this season.
- Broadcast begins at 11.30am on the Sky Sports Football channel
- That means the game can be streamed live via Sky Go, the Sky Sports app or on Now TV.
- BBC Radio Scotland will have audio coverage of the game, while highlights will be shown on Sportscene at 7.15pm (BBC Scotland) and 11.35pm (BBC One).
Team news
Celtic XI: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Nawrocki, Schlupp; Engels, McCowan, Hatate; Jota, Kuhn, Maeda.
Subs: Sinisalo, Taylor, Idah, Yang, Kenny, Murray, Ralston, Bonnar, Turley.
Rangers XI: Butland; Sterling, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Ridvan; Barron, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny; Dessers.
Subs: Kelly, Propper, Lawrence, Bajrami, Nsiala, Igamane, Hagi, Rice, Danilo.
Latest odds*
Celtic 1/2
Draw 16/5
Rangers 9/2
*Odds courtesy of PaddyPower and correct as of 10.30am on Sunday, March 16
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
