2nd Sep, 2022 | 8:40am

Tam Cowan: Celtic should be firm favourites for Old Firm clash v Rangers

Scottish Sun journalist Tam Cowan has backed Celtic to beat Rangers in the first Old Firm clash of the season at Parkhead on Saturday lunchtime.

The Gers make the trip across Glasgow second in the Scottish Premiership, trailing their fierce rivals by two points.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have a perfect record in the league after starting their campaign with five successive victories.

Cowan feels that Celtic’s good form means they are favourites to beat Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

Talking on the PLZ Football Show [50:50, 1 September], Cowan said: “It doesn’t matter who scores first I think it’s going to be dynamite.

“I think if you can get Celtic anything close to even money in the form they’ve been in at home then I’d plunge straight in.

“If I was trying to get rich, Celtic would be my bet for Saturday’s fixture.”

Tough test

Rangers have had some tough tests in Europe so far this season and overcoming PSV Eindhoven over two-legs displays they’re still an excellent side.

However, heading across Glasgow to face their fierce and in-form rival will easily be their biggest task of the 2022/23 season so far.

Furthermore, the Gers desperately need to pick up all three points, regardless of the season still being in its early stages.

Celtic could extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points with a win after the Gers draw against Hibernian at Easter Road.

Even a point still puts Celtic very much in the driving seat, with Postecoglou’s side brushing aside the rest of the League at the moment.

It’s crucial that the Gers’ big names stand up and make an impression, with the likes of Antonio Colak set to experience his first Old Firm game.

Colak has shown he can step up and deliver in big games.

It is now time for the Croatian to display his goalscoring exploits against Celtic.

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