Rangers' big chance in Old Firm clash but reffing furore dominates build-up

That Scotland’s top flight is in danger of looking competitive should douse some of the frenzy attached to the third Old Firm clash of the season. “Should” being the operative term. There remains no prospect of a team beyond Celtic or Rangers winning the Premiership – a horribly grim reality – but this has been a campaign involving bloody noses inflicted by minnows.

Celtic have drawn five league games and lost three, with none of those stumbles coming against their oldest foes. Besides back-to-back derby defeats, Rangers have shipped points to Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Motherwell. Scotland’s marquee fixture will not actually determine the championship’s destiny at all. Both teams will rue shortcomings elsewhere come May.

Brendan Rodgers should relish Sunday’s trip to Ibrox. Celtic still also have to host Rangers once more. Rangers are a point adrift of their oldest foes while holding a game in hand. It is in this fixture, though, that Celtic’s manager has revelled. A succession of Ibrox managers have been unable to master Rodgers over his two Celtic tenures and he has understandably taken great pleasure, time and again, in crushing giddy expectation around Rangers. What he would give to repeat the trick now.

This does, however, look Rangers’ finest opportunity in years. Philippe Clement has rejuvenated Glasgow’s blue half after the unconvincing Michael Beale experiment was cut short. Rangers have a domestic treble in their sights but would surely give up the Scottish Cup if it meant snatching the title from Celtic’s grasp.

Rangers have a capacity home crowd – no away fans will be permitted until next season amid the Old Firm’s latest petty dispute – in their favour. They also had clear momentum until Motherwell silenced