Celtic have already clinched the Premiership title but that does not mean that the players can take their upcoming visit to Ibrox lightly. Firstly, every Glasgow Derby is important. And that importance has been magnified this time around as the Hoops have lost their previous two meetings against the Rangers, 3-0 away and 3-2 at home.
Thus, there is a clear need to improve. Even in the League Cup final, which they won on penalties, Celtic conceded three goals against the Rangers. That is a total of nine in the previous three matches between the two Glasgow giants.
Another interesting aspect of this upcoming Glasgow Derby is the fact that Celtic fans will be back in attendance at Ibrox after more than two years. The last time around, it was back in January of 2023.
For a while, rumours have suggested that the allocation for Celtic was around 2000. Now, that number has been confirmed by a club official.
Celtic vs Rangers rumour confirmed by club official
The Celtic FC SLO was asked about the club's total allocation for the game on Sunday. He confirmed that it was 2000.
It goes without saying that that figure is a far cry from the traditional 7,500 away fan allocation of the past. That number was cut down in 2018. The Rangers did so due to an increase in season ticket sales, but plenty also believe that another reason behind the move was how one-sided the derby had become.
Of course, the Rangers fans were in attendance for the meeting between the two sides at Parkhead and they saw their side win 3-2. Hopefully, Celtic will be able to do the same and come home with three points from Ibrox at the weekend.
But if they are not able to do that, even a draw would be a decent result. What they cannot do is lose again. It would mean that the Hoops would have lost three Glasgow Derbies on the trot. That is not acceptable. Especially considering how bad the Rangers have been this season. They will finish the campaign without a single trophy while Brendan Rodgers' side will get the chance to complete another domestic treble.