Key Questions for Celtic Ahead of Sunday's Old Firm Derby
With inconsistent early-season form and mounting pressure, Celtic face crucial questions as they prepare to travel to Ibrox for the first Old Firm derby of the campaign.
The opening Old Firm derby of the season offers Celtic a chance to assert dominance, lift spirits and claim local bragging rights, but inconsistent performances have raised fresh concerns ahead of the trip to Ibrox.
Is This Derby a Must-Win for Rodgers?
Just a year ago Brendan Rodgers boasted one defeat in 20 derbies, but recent results tell a different story. Celtic are winless in 90 minutes against Rangers since September 2024, recording only one victory in five meetings. Victory on Sunday would not only arrest the slump but also restore confidence.
Is the Club United Behind the Scenes?
Rodgers insists the board and ownership are "fully aligned", despite growing unrest among supporters over limited transfer activity. With key figures including Dermot Desmond publicly backing the manager, Celtic aim to project unity going into the high-stakes fixture.
Will There Be Transfers Before Deadline?
The window has seen minimal movement: only Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren arrived early, and Michel-Ange Balikwisha's late signing raised questions. Rodgers confirmed Boca Juniors full-back Marcelo Saracchi is in Glasgow and interest remains in Adam Idah and Yang Hyun-jun, stressing that departures depend on incoming replacements.
What Will the Lineup Look Like?
Injury to Alistair Johnston leaves Anthony Ralston and academy prospect Colby Donovan vying at right-back, with Saracchi poised to feature. Yang and Balikwisha could start on the wings, while Adam Idah fights for inclusion after a subdued season.
Celtic's early-season struggles on and off the pitch mean Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox is more than just another fixture; it's a test of Rodgers' authority and the club's cohesion.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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