Celtic just need one more point to seal their fourth consecutive Premiership title win. They will get the chance to do that away at Tannadice Park against Dundee United next week. But that does not mean that the last Glasgow Derby of the season, set to be played at Ibrox on May 4, won't be an important one. On the contrary, Brendan Rodgers' side will have a point to prove, having lost two on the trot.
Celtic lost 3-0 at Ibrox at the start of the year. Many were content to write that off as a bad day at the office but the same cannot be said about their display at Parkhead, when they lost 3-2 to Barry Ferguson's side.
Until 2025, Rodgers had lost just one Glasgow Derby. He has lost twice as many just this year. And there is no way that he will want it to be three consecutive losses against the Rangers.
On the other hand, after losing to Athletic Bilbao, the Rangers are out of the UEFA Europa League and are pretty certain to finish the campaign without a trophy. So, the remaining Glasgow Derby is all they have to play for this season. There is some bad news for them heading into it though.
Major Rangers blow confirmed weeks before facing Celtic
Leon Balogun suffered a fracture in the game against Athletic Bilbao. The player himself confirmed the news as he said while speaking to the media:
"I’ve fractured my cheekbone again. So, it’s the fourth time, I think, in my career. I knew it straight away, and I knew that I had to come off with it."
It is not clear whether Balogun will end up playing in the next Glasgow Derby or not. It is not uncommon for players with facial injuries to play with a protective mask on. When asked whether he was out for the season, the Rangers defender said:
"No, I don’t think so. We will see how severe but it will probably need a little, small surgery, then a few days rest and I can go back on with a mask."
It is not the only injury problem that the Rangers are dealing with at the moment either. Dujon Sterling picked up a long-term issue recently as well and is expected to be out of action for the foreseeable future. Naturally, he looks set to miss the next Glasgow Derby.
Celtic cannot focus on what is going on at Ibrox though. The derby is still quite some time away. For now, they must have their eyes on the game at Hampden Park.