John Hartson makes bold Celtic title claim ahead of crucial clash with Rangers at Ibrox
The pressure is on Rangers ahead of the Old Firm Derby because if Celtic win they “have got one hand on the title” according to John Hartson.
Gers go into the meeting at Ibrox on Sunday (3 April) trailing their Glasgow rivals by three points but with a goal difference inferior by 14.
The two sides switched places at the top of the Scottish Premiership when the Hoops were victorious at Parkhead two months ago, and a some frustrating draws for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side since have prevented them taking the lead back.
Ex-Bhoys striker Hartson is confident for his old team and told Go Radio, via the Daily Record: “It’s their title to lose, absolutely.
“If Celtic win then the club’s in a fantastic place to go and attack the last six games.
“Rangers can’t afford to be six points behind, potentially seven with the goal difference with seven games to go.
“Celtic have got one hand on the title if they win on Sunday.”
Pressure
Ange Postecoglou’s side would be clear favourites if they win at Ibrox, but it is anything but a foregone conclusion that they will.
They have been in decent form in the league, where the Bears have faltered slightly at times.
But the Light Blues have shone in big European ties where Celtic’s concerns ended with somewhat of a whimper.
The size of this clash is more likely to resemble the visit of Dortmund or Red Star and the crowd will have no problem getting up for it.
Van Bronckhorst will surely have learnt from the mistakes of the previous meeting so must ensure his players are not caught cold again.
Predicting who momentum is with has proved virtually impossible over the past few weeks.
Rangers responded to the Old Firm defeat with some big SPFL wins, but then followed up Europa League triumphs with flat draws.
They must have their eye on a win on Sunday, and three points puts the title defence very much back on.
In other Rangers news, another Celtic figure has tried to heap the pressure on the Light Blues ahead of the game as Martin O’Neill has spoken out.