Are things starting to change for Celtic before the Glasgow Derby?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 18: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic and Filip Helander of Rangers battle for the ball during the Scottish Cup game between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 18, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 18: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic and Filip Helander of Rangers battle for the ball during the Scottish Cup game between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 18, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There was hope that Celtic were on a better run of form and could win their recent Scottish Cup fourth round tie against the Rangers at Ibrox. It wasn’t to be though as the chances weren’t taken on the day. A series of near misses and saves on one end, and a disappointing defensive display on the other capped a 2-0 defeat for the Hoops.

How much of a difference it will make remains to be seen but there are some glimmers of hope ahead of the upcoming Glasgow Derby.

The first hope is that James Forrest can use the extra time before the next game on 2nd May to fully recover from his latest injury. He was believed to be touch-and-go for the Cup tie, but wasn’t deemed fit enough to play in that or the game a few days later against Aberdeen.

The second glimmer could be a seeming turn of luck for the club at the end of a disappointing campaign. For example, David Turnbull was lucky not to be sent off against Aberdeen.

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Can Celtic finish the season strong?

As reported by Glasgow Live, Forrest is expected to be available for the game at Ibrox as confirmed by John Kennedy. His width and attacking presence has been badly missed this season as he has spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines due to injuries. If he is fit to start on the day of the Glasgow Derby, it will be a huge boost for the Hoops.

More would need to change to secure the win though. But with a couple of decisions going the Hoops’ way, better finishing in front of goal, better defending at the other end and Forrest on the wing, it is very possible that the side could finally end up getting a win over the Rangers this season.

This will be their last opportunity to do so in this campaign though while Steven Gerrard’s side will surely be eyeing an unbeaten league season.