Chris Sutton delivers early Celtic v Rangers verdict amid first time ‘spectacle’
Chris Sutton could not be worried less about the result of the Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.
Rangers will look to replicate their 3-0 triumph at Ibrox in January when they lock horns with Celtic for the fourth time this season on 16 March.
Barry Ferguson and Co will be going into the game high on confidence after beating Fenerbahce to qualify for the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday (13 March).
They will also be backed by the presence of 2500 supporters at Celtic Park as the Old Firm rivals open the door for away fans for the first time since 2023.
Sutton ready to welcome Rangers fans at Celtic Park
Looking ahead to the weekend on Daily Mail’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast (13 March), Sutton revealed that his eyes will be on the Old Firm derby, as opposed to the EFL Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle.
The pundit, though, is not too fussed about the result of the game as he is certain that Rangers will not be able to overturn the 16-point deficit with Celtic even if they win at Parkhead.
However, he is looking forward to seeing away fans attend a match between the two Glasgow giants for the first time since 2023 as he thinks it would add to the drama of the fixture.
“Celtic, 16 points clear”, Sutton said.
“Even if Rangers beat Celtic on their own patch, they are not going to win the league from that position.
“But, first time there are supporters allowed back in. I think it’s about 2500-600, whatever. That’ll make it a better spectacle.”
Ferguson stake a claim for Ibrox hot seat
Ferguson has boosted his chances of making the Rangers manager job his own after leading the team to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Causing an upset over Celtic at their own home on Sunday would then possibly put him in firm contention for the hot seat at Ibrox.
| Team | Competition | Result |
| Kilmarnock (A) | Premiership | 4-2 win |
| Motherwell (H) | Premiership | 1-2 loss |
| Fenerbahce (A) | Europa League | 3-1 win |
| Fenerbahce (H) | Europa League | 0-2 loss (3-3 on aggregate, 3-2 win on penalties) |
The former Gers captain will, therefore, be determined to lead his side to a victory over the Premiership table-toppers on Sunday.
However, it remains to be seen how much of a toll playing 120 minutes against Fenerbahce on Thursday has taken on the players as they push to regain full fitness for Sunday’s crunch fixture.