The Surreal Build-Up to the Glasgow Derby

This week’s run-up to the Glasgow Derby has been anything but typical. Normally, the days leading up to the match are filled with a barrage of articles, predictions, and plenty of cheerleading from the mainstream media. However, this time around, things have taken a different turn.

Thursday’s Champions League draw grabbed most of the attention, who Celtic would get in the revamped comPetition occupied the headspace of most Celtic fans. While the transfer market drama has added another layer of distraction. Celtic’s signing spree, which saw four new players arrive this week—three of them on deadline day—has dominated the conversation leading up to Sunday.

By the time fans can catch their breath, it’ll be 12:30 on Sunday, and the first Glasgow Derby of the season will be upon us.

Celtic seem to be in a good place, and the Hoops will fancy their chances at home in front of a sold-out Celtic Park. Meanwhile, Rangers fans appear to be downplaying their expectations, perhaps setting the stage to celebrate a draw as if it were a win—much like they did at Ibrox last season.

Brendan Rodgers has kept the possibility open that some of the new signings could feature on Sunday. Yet, it would be surprising to see any of them in the starting lineup. Arne Engels, now Celtic’s record signing, is reportedly fit and ready. Luke McCowan has been getting regular minutes with Dundee, while Auston Trusty has seen less action, making it unlikely that Rodgers would want to disrupt the defensive setup unless necessary.

It will be the first derby in over two years where Matt O’Riley want be in the centre of the pitch. That position will likely go to Bernardo who has a History in this fixture. His last act as a loanee last season was to have his Hampden shot rebounded into the path of Adam Idah and the rest is History. The Portuguese man also scored in the fixture at Celtic Park last season, so there should be no concerns.

No derby is a foregone conclusion. Celtic will need to start fast, as they have been doing, to prevent Rangers from gaining any early encouragement. The Hoops have had their issues at the back, and you can be sure Rangers will look to exploit any weaknesses they find. Expect Rangers players to take every opportunity to buy free-kicks in dangerous positions, hoping to launch the ball into Celtic’s box and create chaos. Their strategy is more of a brawler’s approach—swinging wildly in the hope of landing a big hit.

Celtic, on the other hand, will aim to stay composed, control the match, and pick their moments. While there’s always the risk of getting caught off guard, the team must be prepared for all eventualities, even if things don’t go their way for large parts of the Game.

It’s shaping up to be a fascinating contest on Sunday and a Game where Celtic could steal a big march early on in the league title race.