The upcoming derby clash between Celtic and Rangers is the first of four intense battles scheduled between the pair this season - and the opening contest promises to be an enthralling affair.
A buoyant Celtic side, performing with vibrancy and intent, could hardly be in better form ahead of this weekend's mammoth fixture. Direct qualification for the Champions League has provided them with an unusually light schedule, and they have capitalised on more time spent on the training pitch.
The 9-0 demolition of Dundee United once again highlighted the firepower Ange Postecoglou has at his disposal. The goals are free-flowing from all areas of the pitch, and they have a squad rich in quality and depth after another well-executed transfer window.
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- Celtic Are 17/20 To Beat Rangers With Betfred*
The Celtic team that started at Tannadice last weekend is likely to be the one that takes to the field at lunchtime on Saturday. They have the pace to hurt Rangers, and an onus will be on Jota and Liel Abada (or Daizen Maeda) to engage and overwhelm the opposition full-backs.
The champions are unlikely to deviate from the strategy that helped them edge the crucial head-to-head duel with their fierce rivals last season. A rip-roaring opening is almost guaranteed, and the hosts will seek to smother and unnerve Rangers with their boundless energy and relentless pressing.
Postecoglou will look to target and exploit the left side of the Rangers defence. Borna Barisic had an evening to forget at Celtic Park in February, while James Sands remains a work in progress at centre-back.
Sands, deputising for several injured colleagues, has shown promise in the early stages of the season, but on three separate occasions - twice in Europe and once in the league - the unassuming American has risked an early dismissal. He is not cynical or dirty, but his over-eagerness can lead to trouble.
Old Firm games are unique - they are played at a frenetic pace in an intense atmosphere. Nevertheless, Rangers demonstrated their capability to depart challenging venues victorious after overcoming a strong PSV side in Eindhoven last month.
An untimely injury to Tom Lawrence has left Giovanni Van Bronckhorst short of options for the right side of the attack. It is an area of the team that has required serious investment for some time; yet the manager will have to find another solution to a long-term problem.
There were signs during derby games in the latter stages of last season that Van Bronckhorst had honed an effective system to combat Celtic’s considerable threat. His team began to engage the opposition higher up the pitch, thus enabling them to exert greater control. John Lundstram played a pivotal role in the Hampden victory in April, and Rangers require him to produce again.
Rangers suffered a thumping defeat at Celtic Park in February, but the other derby games last season were evenly-contested. The pair have made considerable summer additions, yet both sides will have a familiar look when they take to the field.
Celtic have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top to five points, and even in the early stages of the season, such an advantage would appear significant. The Hoops are a formidable force domestically, and it is approaching 12 months since they last suffered a league defeat.
Celtic are clinical and efficient against the rest, while Rangers are prone to stuttering on their travels and squandering points. It, therefore, places added pressure on the Light Blues to depart Parkhead on Saturday afternoon with a meaningful result.
The Scottish Premiership does not appear rich in quality or depth this season - putting even greater worth on the four mouth-watering derby clashes ahead.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
