Rangers: Chris Sutton makes Celtic admission as hype intensifies ahead of Ibrox showdown

Chris Sutton admits Celtic cannot afford to lose next weekend's Old Firm showdown with Rangers at Ibrox.

The rivals face off on 7 April in a top-of-the-table clash that could go a long way to determining where the title ends up this season.

Celtic lead Rangers by a point after both sides returned to action with a victory at the weekend, but they have played one game more.

Sutton was asked by a caller named "Frank" on BBC Radio 5 Live's 606 phone-in [31 March] if Celtic head into the contest as underdogs.

"Well, Frank makes a point that Rangers have got a game in hand and if they win that game in hand…the game at Ibrox is absolutely massive," Sutton said. "Celtic can't lose this game, can they?"

Rangers v Celtic could determine Scottish Premiership title outcome

Next weekend's clash is not the be-all and end-all as far as the title race goes. With a clash at Parkhead still to come, there are plenty more twists and turns ahead.

However, a victory for Rangers really would put them in the ascendency as we enter the final stretch of what has been an exciting campaign up to this point.

The opposite is also true, of course - a win for Celtic and they will have to be considered title favourites as it will then be in their hands. Quite who a draw would suit remains to be seen.

One thing that is certain is that Rangers will enter the game with the intention of winning it. If Celtic approach the game in a do-not-lose manner, that could well play into the Gers' hands.

After some disappointing Old Firm results of late, this is a chance to exact revenge. With less than a week to go, the time for talking will soon end.

In other Rangers news, Graeme Souness believes a first-team regular wants to quit Ibrox after what he has heard.

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