Is Old Firm a must-win for ‘connected’ Celtic?

The first Old Firm derby of the season typically gives players the opportunity to challenge authority, boost morale, and win accolades.

And Celtic has typically accepted that chance, as of late anyway.

However, the Parkhead outfit’s season has begun differently than they have before, as well as their rivals all over the city.

Both Celtic and Rangers enter this tense encounter in exasperating states, fleetingly.

In the early stages of this disastrous campaign, both on and off, there were more jeers than cheers.

Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic board will experience the heat at high noon on Sunday, especially from the pockets of away fans at Ibrox, even though they have a six-point lead over Russell Martin’s Rangers.

If this question had been posed a year ago, those of a Celtic ancestry would have laughed heartily at it.

Rodgers had a nearly flawless report card against Rangers up until the turn of the year, with just one defeat in 20 derbies.

Following a routine 3-0 league win, Celtic’s previous campaign had a similar beginning, but they were ultimately overtaken by their rivals in the penalty shootout in the League Cup final.

However, it has since changed a little sour-eyed since then.

Since September 1st, 2024, Rodgers’ Celtic haven’t defeated Rangers in 90 minutes since Phillipe Clement and Barry Ferguson’s defeat in the final meeting last year. Five meetings with one victory.

When put in that manner, it’s difficult to explain why this isn’t a must-win.

But how does Celtic reverse that trend? Rodgers insists that it’s “not rocket science.”

In a lengthy and egregious press conference, the manager remarked, “Play well and play without fear.

Rodgers noted, among other things, that it was impossible to “couldn’t be further from the truth” if any suggestion of disconnect existed within the organization during the pre-game press conference.

The tone of the music has changed once more.

Rodgers has previously expressed his frustration with the lack of transfer activity, but more will follow, but he has now assured that he and his board are “connected.”

Rodgers remarked, “We have a board of directors who bleed for the club.”

“They want the club to succeed, so everyone is connected,” they said.

It’s impossible to tell the difference between what I see and what I hear, and all this disconnection.

We love Celtic, but Dermot Desmond, the board, and everyone else, wants them to be the absolute best.

The lack of signings has caused the disconnect and dissatisfaction with various club aspects from afar.

Rodgers has expressed his hope for high-quality players to arrive before each milestone since beginning the pre-season. Before the deadline of 23:00, the Champions League play-off will take place.

The arrivals of left-back Marcelo Saracchi and winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha after the club were confirmed as a member of the Europa League were unusual, with the exceptions of Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren.

Rodgers and supporters alike find that particular subject to be Groundhog Day.

Rodgers compared Celtic’s continued business late in the window to a trend.

It’s not about investing, he said. The club will make investments, but I believe timely investment is essential, and that is certainly what we need to consider.

They are now a little tail-chasing.

Rodgers acknowledged that Adam Idah has been “interested” and that Swansea has agreed to pay him, but he also stressed that “no one can leave unless we get players in to replace them.”

Although he is “pretty certain” that the club will be “pretty busy” before Monday’s window shuts.

Anthony Ralston, Kasper Schmeichel, …

No, we won’t be able to predict the team, but Rodgers did mention Anthony Ralston, who endured as much hardship as he could on Tuesday in Kazakhstan, “should be okay tomorrow.”

Ralston and impressive academy star Colby Donovan are competing for the right-back spot, but Saracchi and Alistair Johnston are also available for the position.

After scoring an impressive comeo in the first leg against Kairat Almaty, Yang was given the nod out wide against Kazakhstan, where the 23-year-old and Celtic as a whole struggled.

Rodgers believes Balikwisha is “ready-made” to play because he has kept his fitness levels high for Royal Antwerp.

Even with only 12 months until Idah’s permanent signing, that might be his debut.

In the Scottish Cup final, he scored the “fairytale” winner in the 90th minute against Rangers, earning the big money-movie.