George Overhill

Sun 3 April 2022 9:42, UK

Chris Sutton hopes Celtic “pump” Rangers in the Old Firm derby but has predicted a rather more measured 1-1 draw at Ibrox.

The Glasgow rivals meet this afternoon (3 April) in a huge match that will have major ramifications on the Scottish Premiership title race.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side sit three points behind the Hoops knowing that a loss will likely end hopes of defending their league crown.

Avoiding defeat keeps the race alive, while three points would land a significant blow by drawing level at the top, although Ange Postecoglou’s men have a better goal difference.

Sutton expects it to be tight and said on his personal Twitter account ahead of the game (09.15am): “Looking forward to today’s game. Just like the old days two good managers, two good teams, very closely matched going head to head.

“Having said all that I hope Celtic pump them but I’m going 1-1.”

Head over heart

In true Sutton style he is not shy in backing his former side, but knows the quality of both make this a tough one to call.

He got his wish at Parkhead back at the beginning of February but it seems unlikely there will be a repeat performance today.

It is a big blow for the home side’s main goalscoring threat to be missing, as Alfredo Morelos is set to be out for a matter of weeks after picking up a problem on international duty.

The lunchtime kickoff may reduce that atmosphere somewhat compared to the one that Gers wilted in under the lights at Celtic Park.

But the Bears fans will be up for this game and the players have to match them, in a way they have done in abundance for the big European nights but have struggled to during more run of the mill domestic fixtures.

Sutton might not be far off with his prediction, but the Light Blues have to be eyeing a victory here to take the title race down to the wire.

In other Rangers news, a “remarkable” Willie Collum stat will cause some concern for Bears fans.