Rangers vs Celtic; Scottish Premiership
Rangers vs Celtic. Scottish Premiership.
Ibrox StadiumAttendance50,215.
Rangers v Celtic preview: Graeme Murty aims to extend Old Firm record
Sunday 11 March 2018 12:42, UK
Rangers boss Graeme Murty is aiming to extend his own personal record against Celtic in the Old Firm Derby on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Celtic head to Ibrox six points ahead of their Glaswegian rivals with a game in hand, although Murty is unbeaten in his previous two fixtures against Brendan Rodgers' side.
The hosts have lost their previous three home meetings against Celtic and Murty says his team have to make their own luck if they are to close the gap on the Scottish Premiership leaders.
"This is the first time people are talking about the game, which is a real positive to me in how far we have come as a football club," Murty said. "We are going to find out but I think we are stronger than we were. I think people would acknowledge that. We are a different kind of team and I would say our people in form are capable of causing anyone a problem."
Rodgers claimed Rangers have underperformed since Murty arrived in Scotland at the beginning of last season, but did praise the job the 43-year-old has done in his time at Ibrox.
"In my time here, I think Rangers will be disappointed with where they've been," Rodgers added. "But Graeme's done an excellent job since he's come in.
"Once he got the job permanently, I think he was able to stabilise everything. The players clearly believe in what he's doing and he's got some really good results."
Team news
Rangers captain Lee Wallace is closing in on a lengthy absence and left-back Declan John is pushing for a return, although doubts remain over defender Russell Martin and winger Jamie Murphy.
Celtic right-back Mikael Lustig is suspended but defender Dedryck Boyata and midfielder Stuart Armstrong return from injury.
Nir Bitton (knee), Craig Gordon (knee), Leigh Griffiths (calf) and Jonny Hayes (leg) are still out.
Opta stats
- Rangers have lost their past three Scottish Premiership meetings with Celtic at Ibrox.
- Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has not yet lost to Rangers but Ibrox counterpart Graeme Murty is unbeaten in the two games he has managed against Celtic.
- Rangers are on a run of four consecutive wins in the league.
- Despite a 2-0 win over Aberdeen in their last Premiership outing, Celtic have lost two of their past five away league games - as many as they had in their previous 43 combined.
Andy Walker's prediction
I'm so looking forward to it but honestly, it could go either way. I haven't been able to say that in a number of years. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rangers, with the momentum they've got, get a victory.
But equally, you have to respect Celtic as the champions. They've come up against a number of challenges in the last few years and they've come up with the answers every time. They've not always been at their best, but they tend to get the business done. For the first time in a number of years, it could go either way.
Watch Rangers v Celtic as part of Rivalry Weekend, live on Sky Sports Football from 11.30am on Sunday.
