Martin O’Neill shares key reason for pressure to be on Rangers against Celtic
Rangers have to win the Old Firm derby because Celtic’s superior goal difference gives them the equivalent of a four-point lead says Martin O’Neill.
Gers’ are currently three points behind the Scottish Premiership leaders, but with a goal difference 14 below their Glasgow rivals.
With so little of the season left, the result of Sunday’s (3 April) clash looks to have a crucial bearing on the title race, and O’Neill has parked the pressure firmly at the Bears’ door.
The former Hoops boss told Radio Clyde, via Football Scotland: “If Celtic come out of the match unscathed then you would have to say they’re really in pole position.
“The pressure at this minute is very much on Rangers to get the result, it’s a home fixture for them and a big, big match for them.
“They’re three points behind and they’re unlikely – not impossible – to claw back that goal difference in the number of matches left.
“You could think at this stage that looks like a four point differential so really Rangers must win that game.”
Must-win
The title defence isn’t mathematically over after the weekend but it is hard to see the gap being clawed back without a positive result.
A loss is unthinkable, and would likely turn Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s focus to the Europa League whatever his public position is.
While a draw would theoretically keep the race alive, the Light Blues really have to be looking to grab the opportunity of a key meeting at Ibrox.
The crowd have been instrumental in the recent European nights, and they will be required as much, if not more, to drive the players on here.
The 3-0 loss at Parkhead turned the tables in what looked like a procession to defending the league championship.
Inconsistent domestic form in the period since has been a problem, but the biggest games have been the best, and they don’t come any bigger than the Old Firm derby.
A huge improvement from the previous meeting is required, and should it arrive the defending champions may become favourites once again.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has shared why Aaron Ramsey won’t start the crunch fixture.