Ibrox braced for derby drama

By Alex O'Henley

Ibrox stages the third Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday as Rangers FC tackle Celtic FC in a game which could have a major bearing on the destination of the Scottish Premier League title.

Title race
A home victory would reduce the gap at the top to one point and spark a championship race similar to that two seasons ago when Rangers won through on the final day. On the other hand, an away success would put champions Celtic seven points ahead and make them strong favourites to retain their crown.

Consecutive wins
Rangers are unbeaten in 13 matches, a sequence including last week's 2-1 League Cup triumph against Martin O'Neill's team. That result ended Celtic's run of seven straight wins against Alex McLeish's side and gives the Ibrox club a psychological advantage. The Rangers revival has been based on a strong defence - marshalled by Jean-Alain Boumsong - which has conceded just five goals in 14 games, although Nacho Novo and Dado Pršo have struck 14 Premier League goals between them.

Solid foundations
Celtic's domination of the domestic scene in recent years has been built on similarly solid foundations, but a combination of injury and loss of form has resulted in a more porous back line this term. Three consecutive UEFA Champions League defeats contributed to a growing unease before stability was restored with a 1-0 victory against FC Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 4.

Shift in power
The contrast in fortunes has prompted talk of a shift in power between the Glasgow clubs, but the return of the versatile Chris Sutton could give the visitors a vital edge. Following the departure of Henrik Larsson to FC Barcelona, the 31-year-old Englishman has emerged as the most influential player at Parkhead and will give the Rangers rearguard a stern test if he partners Wales striker John Hartson in attack.

Fitness concerns
O'Neill has concerns over the fitness of defenders Didier Agathe (groin) and Dianbobo Balde (shoulder) as well as midfielder Stilian Petrov (shoulder) and forward Henri Camara (ankle), but all four are expected to be passed fit. O'Neill sad: "I suppose the comforting thought is, even if everything goes wrong, we will still be on top come Saturday evening."

Novo appeal
Rangers received a boost today when Novo was declared available after successfully appealing against last week's sending-off against Hibernian FC. McLeish said: "It is never easy for people to look at their mistakes and hold their hands up. It takes big people to do that and we think it is a great decision for us."