Thursday 8 September 2016 17:49, UK
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expects Rangers to provide another stern test to his side when the Glasgow rivals clash at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Rodgers has presided over three successive league victories this season, a run which earned him the Ladbrokes Premiership Manager of the Month award for August.
Difficult games against the three sides which finished immediately below them in the table last season were ticked off following a 2-1 win at Hearts, a 4-2 victory at St Johnstone and a 4-1 defeat of Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
And the Irishman is looking to stretch his advantage at the top of the table when Mark Warburton takes his Rangers side across the city for the lunchtime kick-off, live on Sky Sports 2.
Speaking at the final press briefing before the first Glasgow derby of the season, the former Liverpool manager said: "We know Saturday is an important game but we have had three tough games already against Hearts, St Johnstone and Aberdeen.
"We are getting better as the season goes on but we expect another tough game this weekend. Every derby is different. There's uniqueness to each one and this one is iconic throughout the world.
"The intensity needs to be there in your game but you also need to have the cool mind to think in the game. When you are Celtic and you play at home, winning is expected."
Bookmakers have installed Celtic as clear favourites to extend their winning run on Saturday, a tag which Rodgers believes sits well with his side.
"We're not running away from wanting to be favourites," he added. "Whoever we play at home, our objective is to win. This is a huge game, but it's one we want to win well. Every game we play at Celtic Park we want to win.
"But on top of that more importantly is how the team has been playing. The energy and ambition of the team has given the supporters something to be proud of so far and I think the atmosphere on Saturday will be incredible."
