Photo via BBC Sport

No away fans, Euro calamities & derby debuts - why Old Firm tie is crucial

Celtic head into the upcoming Old Firm clash at Ibrox having secured maximum points across their initial six domestic league outings, hitting the net 14 times while yielding only three goals. Their Premiership campaign opened with a tight home victory over Dundee before emphatic away performances against Kilmarnock and Dundee United.

However, continental competition brought severe heartbreak; after establishing a commanding 3-0 first-leg cushion against LASK, Callum McGregor struck early in Austria to create a four-goal aggregate buffer, only for the hosts to stage a stunning 5-1 reversal and advance 5-4 overall. Martin O'Neill's side subsequently rebounded with four straight Premiership triumphs, most recently grinding out a slender midweek win over St Johnstone following extensive rotation to the lineup.

Anticipation is intense on both touchlines, with former captain Scott Brown stressing that an immediate breakthrough can quiet the partisan home supporters and induce anxiety throughout the venue. Current Rangers boss Derek McInnes highlighted the necessity of harnessing the 50,000-strong home backing through natural swings in momentum to challenge the visitors and reverse past fan dismay.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager O'Neill acknowledged the hostile atmosphere awaiting his squad, noting that while capturing an early lead could unnerve the opposition stands, achieving that against quality opposition remains far easier said than done.