Every Old Firm derby brings excitement, but the Ne'erday meeting is the jewel in the domestic calendar. It is an annual clash steeped in history and littered with iconic moments – and the full-time whistle will bring the curtain down on the festive period.
The first competitive encounter between the Glasgow giants was 132 years ago, it remains a never-ending feud, and Monday will see Var welcomed into the famed fixture for the first time. Video technology should add another layer of intrigue, it may even temper aggression, but contentious decisions will still dominate the aftermath.
Celtic make the short dart across the city with momentum on their side. They have been imperious domestically - dropping just three points by the midway juncture of the season - and Ange Postecoglou’s motivated group look destined to cruise beyond the 100-point barrier by mid-May.
A 4-0 dismantling of Hibernian was the perfect aperitif ahead of the second Old Firm match of the campaign - and Postecoglou has selection dilemmas for all the right reasons. Aaron Mooy’s impressive showing in the capital has pushed him to the forefront, and a prominent starter could be benched, possibly Matt O’Riley, to accommodate the evergreen Australian.
In attack, it will be Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi, with one other from three options. Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest are all vying for the right-sided berth, but Maeda’s unbounded energy could tip the balance in his favour. Long-winded motivational speeches are not required on derby day, although there is a further incentive dangling for Celtic; victory and an 11th title in 12 years is all but sealed.
A Monday afternoon triumph for Celtic would also effectively secure Champions League group stage involvement for the second season in a row, providing the Parkhead club with an opportunity to build from a position of strength.
Four wins from four have ensured Michael Beale has made a relatively smooth transition from London to Glasgow. The Light Blues have become more cohesive and resilient, but even the Pittodrie late show failed to mask deficiencies. Performances continue to be punctured by sluggish lulls, and slackness in possession, particularly in midfield, exposes a soft centre.
A Celtic side distinguished by their aggressive tendencies will capitalise on any untidiness from the hosts - and Beale was quick to highlight his concerns regarding reoccurring sloppiness following midweek victory over Motherwell. The manager has the unenviable task of selecting a midfield trio from a band of underperformers - and he will hope the occasion reignites a flame in his faltering stars.
As has often been the case over the last four years, the occupier of the right-sided forward position will determine the boldness of Rangers' approach. If Malik Tillman starts in an advanced central role, the option of Fashion Sakala on the flank may appeal to Beale. The Zambian can be erratic, he tends to work better as an impact player, but he will have space - rarely afforded domestically - to utilise his speed.
Despite inheriting a squad requiring drastic surgery, Beale will be encouraged by his record against Celtic as a coach under Steven Gerrard. Rangers went seven Old Firm matches without defeat before the Liverpool icon departed for Aston Villa - including an Ibrox victory over Postecoglou. The burden of responsibility is on the 42-year-old this time, though, and he inherits a team lacking belief and confidence.
The Rangers supporters are hesitant, while the Celtic faithful are expectant. It is often lazily stated that form counts for little before an Old Firm game, but the phrase has become less pertinent in recent years. The team in the ascendancy tends to prevail.
Rangers can never be counted out, especially at Ibrox, yet they will need to produce their finest 90-minute performance of the season to keep their dwindling title hopes alive beyond the infancy of a new year.
