Whenever Celtic play against Rangers, it is always expected to be a close game, and this Sunday's fixture is no favourite.
Rangers are the betting favourites coming into the match at Ibrox this weekend, but Celtic have a good track record of shutting out the noise and getting the job done against their rivals, and they will be hoping that this weekend is no different.
If Celtic are to be successful, they are going to need to lean on a lot of their key players, something that has been emphasised by Alan Thompson, someone who knows all about making an impact on derby day.
The Englishman was speaking on PLZ Soccer when he said “It’s essential that you have people in the dressing room who can speak to the younger players, the more inexperienced players, and just give them an insight into what it is going to be about.
“They’ve walked the walk. That is people like McGregor, Joe Hart, Carter-Vickers, O’Riley, and Kyogo. These players have done it, and hopefully, they will rub off on the younger members of the squad.”
Thompson is correct in his analysis, with the standout players on derby day often being those who have been there and done it all for Celtic, and this weekend is no different.
Here are our 3 players that we think can be the difference-makers at Ibrox on Sunday.
Callum McGregor
The captain has been absent for Celtic over the last few weeks as he was ruled out of action this weekend, but after missing Celtic's trip to Almondvale last weekend, the captain looks set to return to the starting eleven for the massive title run-in .
It seems like he was only rested last weekend due to Livingston's plastic pitch being a risk for a recently injured player, but having McGregor back this weekend is vital.
In both derbies this season, the captain has been finding space and constantly being the driving force for the Celtic team, and he will need to turn in another spirited display against Rangers.
Reo Hatate
The Japanese has had an injury-plagued campaign, and Celtic have dearly missed the quality that Reo Hatate brings to the team.
He slotted seamlessly back into the Celtic team against Livingston and his impact was instantly noticeable as he was the main focal point of Celtic's attack and played a strong role in Celtic's opening goal.
His history in derbies is known, with his performance in a 3-0 win over Rangers back in 2022, his first ever derby, being the highlight of his Celtic career.
Kyogo Furuhashi
If Celtic are looking for someone to make an impact on Sunday, Kyogo is the man they can turn to.
Whilst his campaign has been criticised with his goals not reflecting the same form and output from last season, his big-game influence has only continued.
He added goals to his game in the Champions League and has continued to be the difference-maker against Rangers, grabbing a decisive goal in both derbies so far this season that has ultimately swung the pendulum Celtic's way in both games.
James McKenzie // @JamesWHMcKenzie