Celtic face pressure after back-to-back defeats ahead of Rangers clash
Celtic seek to bounce back from two losses as they prepare to face Rangers in the Premiership.
Celtic and Rangers prepare for their first Scottish Premiership clash of the season, with both teams facing contrasting pressures. Derek McInnes aims to build on Rangers' recent success after an impressive League Cup victory over Celtic, while Martin O'Neill seeks to recover from consecutive defeats. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and the stakes are high for both sides as they vie for supremacy in Glasgow.
O'Neill's position has come under scrutiny following a disappointing week, with Celtic's recent losses raising concerns among fans. After a strong start to the season, the team's recent back-to-back defeats have put O'Neill in a precarious situation. He is keen to restore confidence and must find solutions to avoid further setbacks, especially against their fiercest rivals.
On the other hand, McInnes appears to be gaining momentum at Rangers after a shaky start. Following the League Cup triumph, he has instilled a sense of belief within the squad. A victory on Sunday could bring Rangers within two points of Celtic, while a defeat would leave them eight points adrift after just seven games, reigniting questions about their title aspirations.
Celtic's selection dilemmas add to O'Neill's challenges ahead of the match. With five key positions uncertain, the manager must decide on his starting XI. Key players like Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren are expected to feature, but questions linger over the goalkeeper and midfield setup. The outcome of these decisions could significantly impact the team's performance against a resurgent Rangers side.
Rangers' tactical approach will also be crucial as they aim to replicate their success from the previous encounter. McInnes' strategy worked well at Ibrox, and he may adjust his formation for the away match. The absence of away fans at Celtic Park adds another layer of complexity, making it essential for both managers to get their tactics right as they face off in this high-stakes derby.
via Sky Sports