At the start of November Rangers held a 15-point lead in the SPL but that lead has been reduced to just a single point ahead of Wednesday’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.
Celtic have won their last eight consecutive SPL games and head into the fixture in fine form. In contrast, Rangers have won just three of their last six league games but boss Ally McCoist doesn’t think recent form will have any bearing on Wednesday’s crucial showdown.
“The truth of the matter is I would rather be a point ahead than a point behind,” said McCoist. “Of that there is no doubt.
“Celtic are on a good run of form at the moment in terms of victories, but it counts for absolutely nothing.”
Despite McCoist’s confidence Celtic look good value at evens to seal the win, Rangers are 14/5 and the draw can be backed at 23/10.
The Gers will be without defender Dorin Goian through suspension. The Romanian picked up two bookings in the loss at St Mirren last time out and will miss out. However, midfielder Lee McCulloch will be available despite his dismissal in the defeat at St Mirren Park. Rangers have decided to appeal the decision and, as the hearing will not take place until January 5, McCulloch is free to feature in the Old Firm on Wednesday.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been handed a double boost with the news that left-back Emilio Izaguirre has now fully recovered from a broken ankle and fellow defender Kelvin Wilson is now fit following an Achilles problem.
Although the Old Firm will undoubtedly take centre stage there are plenty of other SPL ties on Wednesday night to consider.
Hibs are in the midst of an abysmal run and only goal difference separates the Easter Road outfit from rock-bottom Dunfermline. Hibs host Inverness on Wednesday but may struggle despite their home advantage against Caley Thistle, who saw off Aberdeen last time out. Neither side is in great form at the moment and this particular fixture could well end in a draw, which pays out at 9/4.
Hearts travel to Aberdeen in search of just their second SPL win on the road this season. The Edinburgh side have won their last two fixtures and will be seeking another maximum haul to keep the pressure on third and fourth placed Motherwell and St Johnstone. A Hearts win is priced at 13/8, while the draw can be backed at 9/4.
Motherwell are riding high in the table but their home form has been erratic, with results on the road attributing to their lofty SPL standing at present. However, Dunfermline, who have lost five of their last six, shouldn’t trouble the Fir Park Stadium side and a Motherwell win at 1/2 looks to be the best bet in this SPL fixture.
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